System and method for controlling an airflow into a sensor enclosure

ABSTRACT

Provided herein is a system and method for heat exchange of a vehicle. The system comprises an enclosure disposed on the vehicle and a vent at a base of the enclosure. The enclosure houses one or more sensors. The heat exchange system comprises an adjustable deflector disposed on the vehicle outside the enclosure and configured to direct an airflow into the vent of the enclosure. The heat exchange system further comprises a controller configured to adjust the adjustable deflector.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to vehicles equipped withsensors in an enclosure, and in particular, some embodiments relate todeflecting an airflow into the enclosure, for example, by using anadjustable deflector.

BACKGROUND

On-board sensors in vehicles, such as autonomous vehicles (AVs),supplement and bolster the vehicle's field of vision by providingaccurate sensor data. Sensor data is used, for example, in applicationsof blind spot detection, lane change assisting, read end radar forcollision warning or collision avoidance, park assisting, cross-trafficmonitoring, brake assisting, emergency braking, and/or automaticdistance controlling. Examples of on-board sensors include, for example,passive sensors and active sensors. On-board sensors include camera,Lidar, radar, GPS, sonar, ultrasonic, IMU (inertial measurement unit),accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, and FIR (far infrared)sensors. Sensor data may include image data, reflected laser data,and/or the like. Often, images captured by the on-board sensors utilizea three-dimensional coordinate system to determine the distance andangle of the contents and objects captured in the image. Such real-timespace information may be acquired near the vehicle using variouson-board sensors located throughout the vehicle, which may then beprocessed to calculate and to determine the safe driving operations ofthe vehicle. Often, on-board sensors are exposed to harsh environmentalelements (e.g., large temperature swings, ultra violet radiation,oxidation, wind, moisture, etc.), which can prematurely shorten thesensors' lifetimes. Furthermore, mounting the sensors exterior to thevehicle can subject the sensors to an increased risk of impact from roaddebris, thereby increasing a possibility of damaging the sensors. Toalleviate these and other problems, a sensor enclosure may house thesensors. Such a sensor enclosure may offer additional protection againstenvironmental elements and road debris while still allowing the sensorsto function or operate. However, encasing sensors in a sensor enclosure,without providing adequate airflow or ventilation, can createoperational challenges. For example, while operating during summer, aninternal temperature of the sensor enclosure may reach a point beyondoperational temperature ranges for the sensors. This can lead to sensormalfunction and can render the autonomous vehicle inoperable. In anotherexample, while operating in winter or rainy conditions, moisture insidethe sensor enclosure can condensate or fog up, thereby preventing thesensors from operating normally. These shortfalls are addressed by thepresent inventions, which provides efficient and effective cooling ofthe sensor enclosure while reducing electricity required for thecooling.

SUMMARY

Described herein are systems and methods for heat exchange and coolingfor a sensor enclosure on a vehicle, for example, a LiDAR sensorenclosure mounted on a roof of an AV, that are more convenient andreduce a computational burden on the sensor system, such as an AV sensorsystem. Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heatexchange system disposed on a vehicle. The heat exchange system maycomprise an enclosure disposed on the vehicle and comprising a vent at abase of the enclosure, the enclosure housing one or more sensors. Theheat exchange system may comprise an adjustable deflector disposed onthe vehicle outside the enclosure and configured to direct an airflowinto the vent of the enclosure. The heat exchange system may comprise acontroller configured to adjust and/or control the adjustable deflector.The adjustable deflector and/or the controller may increase anefficiency or an amount of air flowing into the enclosure.

In some embodiments, the adjustable deflector may be retractable, andthe controller may be configured to retract the adjustable deflector.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to adjust a lengthof the adjustable deflector based on a speed of the vehicle, an internaltemperature of an enclosure, an external temperature, or a wind speed.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to pivot theadjustable deflector about a point based on a wind direction and adirection of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to adjust a shapeof the adjustable deflector based on a speed of the vehicle, an internaltemperature of an enclosure, an external temperature, and a wind speed.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to adjust a lengthof the adjustable deflector and to pivot the adjustable deflector abouta point simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the heat exchange system may further comprise asecond adjustable deflector, and wherein, the controller may beconfigured to adjust the second adjustable deflector based on anadjustment made to the first adjustable deflector.

In some embodiments, the heat exchange system may further comprise atleast one additional adjustable deflector. The controller may beconfigured to determine which one of the adjustable deflector and the atleast one additional adjustable deflector to operate in an active modebased on a wind speed or a wind direction at a location of theadjustable deflector or the at least one additional adjustabledeflector. The controller may be configured to operate one of theadjustable deflector and the at least one additional adjustabledeflector in the active mode. The controller may be configured tooperate an other of the adjustable deflector and the at least oneadditional adjustable deflector in an inactive mode.

In some embodiments, the controller may adjust a slope of the adjustabledeflector based on an amount of moisture.

In some embodiments, the controller may adjust a slope of the adjustabledeflector based on a terrain of a road on which the vehicle istravelling.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a heat exchangemethod for an enclosure of a vehicle comprising one or more sensors, anda vent at a base of the enclosure. The method may comprise, channelingan airflow through an adjustable deflector connected to the enclosure,directing the channeled airflow into the vent of the enclosure, andadjusting, by a controller, the adjustable deflector.

In some embodiments, the adjusting the adjustable deflector may compriseretracting or extending the adjustable deflector.

In some embodiments, the adjusting the adjustable deflector may compriseadjusting a length of the adjustable deflector based on a speed of thevehicle, an internal temperature of an enclosure, an externaltemperature, or a wind speed.

In some embodiments, the adjusting the adjustable deflector may comprisepivoting the adjustable deflector about a point based on a winddirection and a direction of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the adjusting the adjustable deflector may compriseadjusting a shape of the adjustable deflector based on a speed of thevehicle, an internal temperature of an enclosure, an externaltemperature, and a wind speed.

In some embodiments, the adjusting the adjustable deflector may compriseadjusting a length of the adjustable deflector and pivoting theadjustable deflector about a point simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the adjusting a second adjustable deflector may bebased on an adjustment made to the first adjustable deflector.

In some embodiments, the heat exchange method may further comprisedetermining, by the controller, which one of the adjustable deflectorand at least one additional adjustable deflector to operate in an activemode based on a wind speed or a wind direction at a location of theadjustable deflector or the at least one additional adjustabledeflector. The heat exchange method may further comprise operating oneof the adjustable deflector and the at least one additional adjustabledeflector in the active mode. The heat exchange method may furthercomprise operating an other of the adjustable deflector and the at leastone additional adjustable deflector in an inactive mode.

In some embodiments, the adjusting the adjustable deflector may compriseadjusting a slope of the adjustable deflector based on an amount ofmoisture detected.

In some embodiments, the adjusting the adjustable deflector may compriseadjusting a slope of the adjustable deflector based on a terrain of aroad on which the vehicle is travelling.

These and other features of the systems, methods, and non-transitorycomputer readable media disclosed herein, as well as the methods ofoperation and functions of the related elements of structure and thecombination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become moreapparent upon consideration of the following description and theappended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all ofwhich form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to beexpressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes ofillustration and description only and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain features of various embodiments of the present technology areset forth with particularity in the appended claims. A betterunderstanding of the features and advantages of the technology will beobtained by reference to the following detailed description that setsforth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the inventionare utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1C illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a front view, corresponding to FIG. 1B, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1D illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a front view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1E illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1F illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a front view, corresponding to FIG. 1E, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1G illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1H illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1I illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1J illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1K illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1L illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, corresponding to FIG. 1K, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1L, the adjustabledeflector may be in an inactive mode.

FIG. 1M illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, corresponding to FIG. 1K and FIG. 1L,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1M, theadjustable deflector may be in an active mode.

FIG. 1N illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, corresponding to FIG. 1K, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1N, the adjustabledeflector may be in a first mode.

FIG. 1O illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, corresponding to FIG. 1K and FIG. 1N,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1N, theadjustable deflector may be in a second mode.

FIG. 1P illustrates an example of a sensor system for a vehicle (e.g.,autonomous vehicle), according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an enclosure for a sensor systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an enclosure for a sensor systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an enclosure for a sensor systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an enclosure for a sensor systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 6C-6D illustrate an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 6E-6F illustrate an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 6G-6H illustrate an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6I illustrates an exemplary diagram of inputs and outputs to acontroller of an enclosure according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of an example of a heat exchange methodaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an example computer system for implementing thefeatures disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of theinvention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that theinvention may be practiced without these details. Moreover, whilevarious embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, manyadaptations and modifications may be made within the scope of theinvention in accordance with the common general knowledge of thoseskilled in this art. Such modifications include the substitution ofknown equivalents for any aspect of the invention in order to achievethe same result in substantially the same way.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the presentspecification and claims, the word “comprise” and variations thereof,such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open,inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.” Recitationof numeric ranges of values throughout the specification is intended toserve as a shorthand notation of referring individually to each separatevalue falling within the range inclusive of the values defining therange, and each separate value is incorporated in the specification asit were individually recited herein. Additionally, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The phrases “at least one of,” “at least oneselected from the group of,” or “at least one selected from the groupconsisting of,” and the like are to be interpreted in the disjunctive(e.g., not to be interpreted as at least one of A and at least one ofB).

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of thephrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment, but may be in some instances. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

In general, a vehicle (e.g., an autonomous vehicle, a driverlessvehicle, etc.) can have myriad sensors onboard the vehicle. The myriadsensors can include light detection and ranging sensors (or LiDARs),radars, cameras, GPS, sonar, ultrasonic, IMU (inertial measurementunit), accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, FIR (far infrared)sensors, etc. The myriad sensors can play a central role in functioningof an autonomous or driverless vehicle. For example, LiDARs can beutilized to detect and identify objects (e.g., other vehicles, roadsigns, pedestrians, buildings, etc.) in a surrounding. LiDARs can alsobe utilized to determine relative distances of the objects in thesurrounding. For another example, radars can be utilized to aid withcollision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, blind side detection,assisted parking, etc. For yet another example, camera can be utilizedto recognize, interpret, and/or analyze contents or visual cues of theobjects. Cameras and other optical sensors can capture image data usingcharge coupled devices (CCDs), complementary metal oxide semiconductors(CMOS), or similar elements. An IMU may detect abnormal occurrences suchas a bump or pothole in a road. Data collected from these sensors canthen be processed and used, as inputs, to make driving decisions (e.g.,acceleration, deceleration, direction change, etc.). For example, datafrom these sensors may be further processed into an image histogram of agraphical representation of tonal distribution in an image captured bythe one or more sensors.

Various embodiments overcome problems specifically arising in the realmof autonomous vehicle technology. In various embodiments, the myriadsensors (e.g., LiDARs, radars, cameras, etc.) onboard the autonomousvehicle can be encased or housed in an enclosure. The enclosure allowsthe myriad sensors to be moved from one vehicle to another vehicle in asingle act, rather than to move the myriad sensors one by one. In someembodiments, the enclosure can be installed or mounted onto a fixture ofthe autonomous vehicle. For example, the enclosure can be installed ormounted onto a roof rack or a custom rack fitted to the autonomousvehicle. The enclosure can be translated or moved along the fixture. Insome embodiments, the enclosure is made of a material that istransparent to electromagnetic waves receptive to the myriad sensorsencased by the enclosure. For example, the enclosure can be made from atransparent material that allows laser lights, radio waves, and visiblelights emitted and/or received by the LiDARs, the radars, and thecameras, respectively, to enter and/or exit the enclosure. In someembodiments, the enclosure can include a signal transmitter. The signaltransmitter can emit a signal. This signal can be received or detectedby a signal receiver. In some cases, the signal can be reflected beforebeing received or detected by the signal receiver. In one embodiment,both the signal transmitter and the signal receiver are integrated intothe enclosure. In another embodiment, the signal transmitter isintegrated into the enclosure while the signal receiver is integratedinto the fixture of the autonomous vehicle. An intensity of the signalcan be determined. Based on the intensity of the signal, a determinationon whether the enclosure is properly aligned (positioned or placed) ontothe fixture of the autonomous vehicle can be made. In some embodiments,the enclosure can include an audio device that emits an audio cue basedon the intensity of the signal. For example, the stronger or higher theintensity, the more audible (e.g., louder, faster, etc.) the audio cuebecomes. The audio cue can serve as an indication or a feedback to anextend that the enclosure is properly aligned. Various embodiments arediscussed herein in greater detail.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example vehicle (e.g. autonomous vehicle) 100,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A vehicle 100generally refers to a category of vehicles that are capable of sensingand driving in a surrounding by itself. The vehicle 100 can includemyriad sensors (e.g., LiDARs, radars, cameras, etc.) to detect andidentify objects in the surrounding. Such objects may include, but notlimited to, pedestrians, road signs, traffic lights, and/or othervehicles, for example. The vehicle 100 can also include myriad actuatorsto propel and navigate the vehicle 100 in the surrounding. Suchactuators may include, for example, any suitable electro-mechanicaldevices or systems to control a throttle response, a braking action, asteering action, etc. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 canrecognize, interpret, and analyze road signs (e.g., speed limit, schoolzone, construction zone, etc.) and traffic lights (e.g., red light,yellow light, green light, flashing red light, etc.). For example, thevehicle 100 can adjust vehicle speed based on speed limit signs postedon roadways. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 can determine andadjust speed at which the vehicle 100 is traveling in relation to otherobjects in the surrounding. For example, the vehicle 100 can maintain aconstant, safe distance from a vehicle ahead (e.g., adaptive cruisecontrol). In this example, the vehicle 100 maintains this safe distanceby constantly adjusting its vehicle speed to that of the vehicle ahead.

In various embodiments, the vehicle 100 may navigate through roads,streets, and/or terrain with limited or no human input. The word“vehicle” or “vehicles” as used in this paper includes vehicles thattravel on ground (e.g., cars, trucks, bus, etc.), but may also includevehicles that travel in air (e.g., drones, airplanes, helicopters,etc.), vehicles that travel on water (e.g., boats, submarines, etc.).Further, “vehicle” or “vehicles” discussed in this paper may or may notaccommodate one or more passengers therein. Moreover, phrases“autonomous vehicles,” “driverless vehicles,” or any other vehicles thatdo not require active human involvement can be used interchangeably.

In general, the vehicle 100 can effectuate any control to itself that ahuman driver can on a conventional vehicle. For example, the vehicle 100can accelerate, brake, turn left or right, or drive in a reversedirection just as a human driver can on the conventional vehicle. Thevehicle 100 can also sense environmental conditions, gauge spatialrelationships (e.g., distances between objects and itself), detect andanalyze road signs just as the human driver. Moreover, the vehicle 100can perform more complex operations, such as parallel parking, parkingin a crowded parking lot, collision avoidance, etc., without any humaninput.

In various embodiments, the vehicle 100 may include one or more sensors.As used herein, the one or more sensors may include laser scanningsystems (e.g., LiDARs) 102, radar systems 104, camera systems 106, GPS,sonar, ultrasonic, IMU (inertial measurement unit), accelerometers,gyroscopes, magnetometers, FIR (far infrared) sensors, and/or the like.The one or more sensors allow the vehicle 100 to sense an environmentaround the vehicle 100. For example, the LiDARs 102 can generate athree-dimensional map of the environment. The LiDARs 102 can also detectobjects in the environment. In another example, the radar systems 104can determine distances and speeds of objects around the vehicle 100. Inanother example, the camera systems 106 can capture and process imagedata to detect and identify objects, such as road signs, as well asdeciphering content of the objects, such as speed limit posted on theroad signs.

In the example of FIG. 1A, the vehicle 100 is shown with a LiDAR 102.The LiDAR 102 may be coupled to a roof or a top of the vehicle 100. Asdiscussed, LiDARs such as LiDAR 102 can be configured to generate threedimensional maps of an environment and detect objects in theenvironment. In the example of FIG. 1A, the vehicle 100 is shown withfour radar systems 104. Two radar systems are coupled to a front-sideand a back-side of the vehicle 100, and two radar systems are coupled toa right-side and a left-side of the vehicle 100. In some embodiments,the front-side and the back-side radar systems can be configured foradaptive cruise control and/or accident avoidance. For example, thefront-side radar system can be used by the vehicle 100 to maintain ahealthy distance from a vehicle ahead of the vehicle 100. In anotherexample, if the vehicle ahead experiences a sudden reduction in speed,the vehicle 100 can detect this sudden change in motion and adjust itsvehicle speed accordingly. In some embodiments, the right-side and theleft-side radar systems can be configured for blind-spot detection. Inthe example of FIG. 1A, the vehicle 100 is shown with six camera systems106. Two camera systems are coupled to the front-side of the vehicle100, two camera systems are coupled to the back-side of the vehicle 100,and two camera systems are couple to the right-side and the left-side ofthe vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the front-side and the back-sidecamera systems can be configured to detect, identify, and decipherobjects, such as cars, pedestrian, road signs, in the front and the backof the vehicle 100. For example, the front-side camera systems can beutilized by the vehicle 100 to determine speed limits. In someembodiments, the right-side and the left-side camera systems can beconfigured to detect objects, such as lane markers. For example, sidecamera systems can be used by the vehicle 100 to ensure that the vehicle100 drives within its lane.

FIG. 1B illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The example vehicle 110 is shown with an enclosure 112(e.g., to house one or more sensors), four radar systems 114, and anadjustable deflector 116. The enclosure 112 can include a LiDAR and oneor more camera systems. As discussed, the enclosure 112 can provide anadditional protection for the LiDAR and the one or more camera systemsagainst various environmental conditions while still letting inwavelengths of light receptive to the LiDAR and the one or more camerasystems. In general, the LiDAR and the one or more camera systems of theenclosure 112 and the four radar systems work the same as the LiDAR,camera systems, and radar systems discussed with respect with FIG. 1A.

The adjustable deflector 116 may increase an efficiency or an amount ofair flowing into the enclosure. In FIG. 1B, two adjustable deflectors116 are shown. However, the heat exchange system may include any numberof adjustable deflectors 116. The adjustable deflectors 116 may beconnected to the enclosure 112. For example, the adjustable deflectors116 may directly contact the enclosure 112. The adjustable deflectors116 may be configured to channel an airflow (e.g., wind) while thevehicle 110 is driving, and direct the channeled airflow into a vent(not visible in top view) of the enclosure 112. As an example, theadjustable deflectors 116 may curve outward (e.g., the adjustabledeflectors 116 may be convex) as a distance between the adjustabledeflectors 116 and the enclosure 112 increases. The adjustabledeflectors 116 may also be concave (not shown). The adjustabledeflectors 116 may have smooth and/or rounded edges to prevent turbulentflow. The adjustable deflectors 116 may be comprised of a material suchas a plastic, metal, fiberglass, nanomaterial, a shape memory alloy suchas copper-aluminum-nickel, nickel-titanium (NiTi), Fe—Mn—Si, Cu—Zn—Al,Cu—Al—Ni, and the like, or other suitable material.

FIG. 1C illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a front view, corresponding to FIG. 1B, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1C illustrates the componentsof FIG. 1B, and further illustrates a vent 119. The vent 119 may be anopening in a form of a circle, semicircle, grill, slit, or the like. Thevent 119 may be disposed at a base of the enclosure 112 and may beconnected to a roof of the vehicle 110. The adjustable deflectors 116may comprise an air quality sensor 115 configured to determine an airquality, for example, as an air quality index (AQI). The air qualitysensor 115 may determine an attenuation of infrared radiation, and maycomprise an infrared radiation source, a light water pipe, and aninfrared detector having a filter. Alternatively, the air quality sensor115 may be disposed elsewhere on the vehicle 110 (e.g., elsewhere on theroof of the vehicle 110).

FIG. 1D illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a front view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 1D illustrates the components of FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C,and further illustrates a third adjustable deflector 117. The thirdadjustable deflector 117 may partially cover the vent, and one surfaceof the third adjustable deflector may be disposed at an oblique anglewith respect to the enclosure 112. The third adjustable deflector 117may be comprised of a material such as a plastic, metal, fiberglass,nanomaterial, a shape memory alloy such as copper-aluminum-nickel,nickel-titanium (NiTi), Fe—Mn—Si, Cu—Zn—Al, Cu—Al—Ni, and the like, orother suitable material. The deflectors 116 may comprise an air qualitysensor 115 configured to determine an air quality, for example, as anair quality index (AQI). The air quality sensor 115 may determine anattenuation of infrared radiation, and may comprise an infraredradiation source, a light water pipe, and an infrared detector having afilter.

FIG. 1E illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The example vehicle 120 is shown with an enclosure 122(e.g., to house one or more sensors), four radar systems 124, and anadjustable deflector 126. The enclosure 122 can include a LiDAR and oneor more camera systems. As discussed, the enclosure 122 can provide anadditional protection for the LiDAR and the one or more camera systemsagainst various environmental conditions while still letting inwavelengths of light receptive to the LiDAR and the one or more camerasystems. In general, the LiDAR and the one or more camera systems of theenclosure 122 and the four radar systems work the same as the LiDAR,camera systems, and radar systems discussed with respect with FIG. 1A.

The adjustable deflector 126 may increase an efficiency or an amount ofair flowing into the enclosure. In FIG. 1E, two adjustable deflectors126 are shown. However, the heat exchange system may include any numberof adjustable deflectors 126, such as one adjustable deflector, or anadjustable deflector and a second adjustable deflector. The adjustabledeflectors 126 may be connected to the enclosure 122. For example, theadjustable deflectors 126 may directly contact the enclosure 122. Theadjustable deflectors 126 may be configured to channel an airflow (e.g.,wind) while the vehicle 120 is driving, and direct the channeled airflowinto a vent (not visible in top view) of the enclosure 122. As anexample, the adjustable deflectors 126 may extend along a straight linefrom the enclosure 122. The adjustable deflectors 126 may have smoothand/or rounded edges to prevent turbulent flow. The adjustabledeflectors 126 may be comprised of a material such as a plastic, metal,fiberglass, nanomaterial, or other suitable material.

FIG. 1F illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a front view, corresponding to FIG. 1E, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1F illustrates the componentsof FIG. 1E, and further illustrates a vent 129. The vent 129 may be anopening in a form of a circle, semicircle, grill, slit, or the like. Thevent 129 may be disposed at a base of the enclosure 122 and may beconnected to a roof of the vehicle 120. The adjustable deflectors 126may comprise an air quality sensor 125 configured to determine an airquality, for example, as an air quality index (AQI). The air qualitysensor 125 may determine an attenuation of infrared radiation, and maycomprise an infrared radiation source, a light water pipe, and aninfrared detector having a filter. Alternatively, the air quality sensor125 may be disposed elsewhere on the vehicle 120 (e.g., elsewhere on theroof of the vehicle 120).

FIG. 1G illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The example vehicle 130 is shown with an enclosure 132(e.g., to house one or more sensors), four radar systems 134, and anadjustable deflector 136. The enclosure 132 can include a LiDAR and oneor more camera systems. As discussed, the enclosure 132 can provide anadditional protection for the LiDAR and the one or more camera systemsagainst various environmental conditions while still letting inwavelengths of light receptive to the LiDAR and the one or more camerasystems. In general, the LiDAR and the one or more camera systems of theenclosure 132 and the four radar systems work the same as the LiDAR,camera systems, and radar systems discussed with respect with FIG. 1A.The enclosure 132 may also include a vent (not shown because hidden fromview) similar to vents 119 and 129.

The adjustable deflector 136 (or multiple adjustable deflectors 136) maybe connected to the enclosure 132. For example, the adjustable deflector136 may directly contact the enclosure 132. The adjustable deflector 136may be configured to channel an airflow (e.g., wind) while the vehicle130 is driving, and direct the channeled airflow into a vent (notvisible in top view) of the enclosure 132. The adjustable deflector 136may increase an efficiency or an amount of air flowing into theenclosure. As an example, a vertical height of the adjustable deflector136 above a roof of the vehicle 130 may decrease as the adjustabledeflector 136 extends away from the enclosure 132. As an example, thevertical height of the adjustable deflector 136 may decrease at aconstant, linear rate with respect to a distance from the adjustabledeflector 136 to the enclosure 132. The adjustable deflector 136 mayhave smooth and/or rounded edges to prevent turbulent flow. Theadjustable deflector 136 may be comprised of a material such as aplastic, metal, fiberglass, nanomaterial, a shape memory alloy such ascopper-aluminum-nickel, nickel-titanium (NiTi), Fe—Mn—Si, Cu—Zn—Al,Cu—Al—Ni, and the like, or other suitable material. The adjustabledeflector 136 may comprise an air quality sensor (not shown, same orsimilar to 115, 125) configured to determine an air quality, forexample, as an air quality index (AQI). The air quality sensor maydetermine an attenuation of infrared radiation, and may comprise aninfrared radiation source, a light water pipe, and an infrared detectorhaving a filter. Alternatively, the air quality sensor may be disposedelsewhere on the vehicle 130 (e.g., elsewhere on the roof of the vehicle130).

FIG. 1H illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The example vehicle 140 is shown with an enclosure 142(e.g., to house one or more sensors), four radar systems 144, and anadjustable deflector 146. The enclosure 142 can include a LiDAR and oneor more camera systems. As discussed, the enclosure 142 can provide anadditional protection for the LiDAR and the one or more camera systemsagainst various environmental conditions while still letting inwavelengths of light receptive to the LiDAR and the one or more camerasystems. In general, the LiDAR and the one or more camera systems of theenclosure 142 and the four radar systems work the same as the LiDAR,camera systems, and radar systems discussed with respect with FIG. 1A.The enclosure 142 may also include a vent (not shown because hidden fromview) similar to vents 119 and 129.

The adjustable deflector 146 (or multiple adjustable deflectors 146) maybe connected to the enclosure 142. For example, the adjustable deflector146 may directly contact the enclosure 142. The adjustable deflector 146may be configured to channel an airflow (e.g., wind) while the vehicle140 is driving, and direct the channeled airflow into a vent (notvisible in top view) of the enclosure 142. The adjustable deflector 146may increase an efficiency or an amount of air flowing into theenclosure. As an example, a vertical height of the adjustable deflector146 above a roof of the vehicle 140 may decrease as the adjustabledeflector 146 extends away from the enclosure 142. As an example, thevertical height of the adjustable deflector 146 may decrease at anonconstant rate with respect to a distance from the adjustabledeflector 146 to the enclosure 142. For example, the vertical height ofthe adjustable deflector 146 may decrease at a faster rate as a distancefrom the adjustable deflector 146 to the enclosure 142 increases. Inother words, as the vertical height of the adjustable deflector 146decreases, a rate of decrease of the vertical height of the adjustabledeflector 146 may be accelerated. The adjustable deflector 146 may havesmooth and/or rounded edges to prevent turbulent flow. The adjustabledeflector 146 may be comprised of a material such as a plastic, metal,fiberglass, nanomaterial, a shape memory alloy such ascopper-aluminum-nickel, nickel-titanium (NiTi), Fe—Mn—Si, Cu—Zn—Al,Cu—Al—Ni, and the like, or other suitable material. The adjustabledeflector 146 may comprise an air quality sensor (not shown, same orsimilar to 115, 125) configured to determine an air quality, forexample, as an air quality index (AQI). The air quality sensor maydetermine an attenuation of infrared radiation, and may comprise aninfrared radiation source, a light water pipe, and an infrared detectorhaving a filter. Alternatively, the air quality sensor may be disposedelsewhere on the vehicle 140 (e.g., elsewhere on the roof of the vehicle140).

FIG. 1I illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The example vehicle 150 is shown with an enclosure 152(e.g., to house one or more sensors), four radar systems 154, and anadjustable deflector 156. The enclosure 152 can include a LiDAR and oneor more camera systems. As discussed, the enclosure 152 can provide anadditional protection for the LiDAR and the one or more camera systemsagainst various environmental conditions while still letting inwavelengths of light receptive to the LiDAR and the one or more camerasystems. In general, the LiDAR and the one or more camera systems of theenclosure 152 and the four radar systems work the same as the LiDAR,camera systems, and radar systems discussed with respect with FIG. 1A.The enclosure 152 may also include a vent (not shown because hidden fromview) similar to vents 119 and 129.

The adjustable deflector 156 (or multiple adjustable deflectors 156) maybe connected to the enclosure 152. For example, the adjustable deflector156 may directly contact the enclosure 152. The adjustable deflector 156may be configured to channel an airflow (e.g., wind) while the vehicle150 is driving, and direct the channeled airflow into a vent (notvisible in top view) of the enclosure 152. The adjustable deflector 156may increase an efficiency or an amount of air flowing into theenclosure. As an example, a vertical height of the adjustable deflector156 above a roof of the vehicle 150 may change as the adjustabledeflector 156 extends away from the enclosure 152. As an example, thevertical height of the adjustable deflector 156 may decrease as theadjustable deflector 156 extends away from the enclosure 152 at a firstsection (e.g., closer to the enclosure 152) and the vertical height ofthe adjustable deflector 156 may increase as the adjustable deflector156 extends away from the enclosure 152 at a second section (e.g.,farther from the enclosure 152 compared to the first section). A rate ofincrease and/or decrease in the vertical height may be nonconstant, withrespect to a distance from the adjustable deflector 156 to the enclosure152. For example, the vertical height of the adjustable deflector 156may decrease at a faster rate as a distance from the adjustabledeflector 156 to the enclosure 152 increases, in the first section. Inother words, in the first section, as the vertical height of theadjustable deflector 156 decreases, a rate of decrease of the verticalheight of the adjustable deflector 156 may be accelerated. In the secondsection, the rate of increase of the vertical height of the adjustabledeflector 156 may increase as a distance from the adjustable deflector156 to the enclosure 152 increases. The adjustable deflector 156 mayhave smooth and/or rounded edges to prevent turbulent flow. Theadjustable deflector 156 may be comprised of a material such as aplastic, metal, fiberglass, nanomaterial, a shape memory alloy such ascopper-aluminum-nickel, nickel-titanium (NiTi), Fe—Mn—Si, Cu—Zn—Al,Cu—Al—Ni, and the like, or other suitable material. The adjustabledeflector 156 may comprise an air quality sensor (not shown, same orsimilar to 115, 125) configured to determine an air quality, forexample, as an air quality index (AQI). The air quality sensor maydetermine an attenuation of infrared radiation, and may comprise aninfrared radiation source, a light water pipe, and an infrared detectorhaving a filter. Alternatively, the air quality sensor may be disposedelsewhere on the vehicle 150 (e.g., elsewhere on the roof of the vehicle150).

FIG. 1J illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The example vehicle 160 is shown with an enclosure 162(e.g., to house one or more sensors), four radar systems 164, and anadjustable deflector 166. The enclosure 162 can include a LiDAR and oneor more camera systems. As discussed, the enclosure 162 can provide anadditional protection for the LiDAR and the one or more camera systemsagainst various environmental conditions while still letting inwavelengths of light receptive to the LiDAR and the one or more camerasystems. In general, the LiDAR and the one or more camera systems of theenclosure 162 and the four radar systems work the same as the LiDAR,camera systems, and radar systems discussed with respect with FIG. 1A.The enclosure 162 may also include a vent (not shown because hidden fromview) similar to vents 119 and 129.

The adjustable deflector 166 (or multiple adjustable deflectors 166) maybe connected to the enclosure 162. For example, the adjustable deflector166 may directly contact the enclosure 162. The adjustable deflector 166may be configured to channel an airflow (e.g., wind) while the vehicle160 is driving, and direct the channeled airflow into a vent (notvisible in top view) of the enclosure 162. The adjustable deflector 166may increase an efficiency or an amount of air flowing into theenclosure. As an example, a vertical height of the adjustable deflector166 above a roof of the vehicle 160 may be constant as the adjustabledeflector 166 extends away from the enclosure 162. The adjustabledeflectors 166 may have smooth and/or rounded edges to prevent turbulentflow. The adjustable deflector 166 may be comprised of a material suchas a plastic, metal, fiberglass, nanomaterial, a shape memory alloy suchas copper-aluminum-nickel, nickel-titanium (NiTi), Fe—Mn—Si, Cu—Zn—Al,Cu—Al—Ni, and the like, or other suitable material. The adjustabledeflector 166 may comprise an air quality sensor (not shown, same orsimilar to 115, 125) configured to determine an air quality, forexample, as an air quality index (AQI). The air quality sensor maydetermine an attenuation of infrared radiation, and may comprise aninfrared radiation source, a light water pipe, and an infrared detectorhaving a filter. Alternatively, the air quality sensor may be disposedelsewhere on the vehicle 160 (e.g., elsewhere on the roof of the vehicle160).

FIG. 1K illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The example vehicle 170 is shown with an enclosure 172(e.g., to house one or more sensors), four radar systems 174, anadjustable deflector 176, and a groove 178 in which the adjustabledeflector 176 may snugly fit, and in which the adjustable deflector 176may be controlled (e.g., by a controller in the enclosure 172, asdescribed in FIG. 1P, 2-5 ) to move up and down. As an example, theadjustable deflector 176 may be moved up and down based on a speed ofthe vehicle 170, an internal temperature of the enclosure 172, anexternal temperature, a difference between the internal temperature ofthe enclosure 172 and the external temperature, or a wind speed. As anexample, the adjustable deflector 176 may be moved up and down based onany one or any combination of the aforementioned factors.

The enclosure 172 can include a LiDAR and one or more camera systems. Asdiscussed, the enclosure 172 can provide an additional protection forthe LiDAR and the one or more camera systems against variousenvironmental conditions while still letting in wavelengths of lightreceptive to the LiDAR and the one or more camera systems. In general,the LiDAR and the one or more camera systems of the enclosure 172 andthe four radar systems work the same as the LiDAR, camera systems, andradar systems discussed with respect with FIG. 1A. The enclosure 172 mayalso include a vent (not shown because hidden from view) similar tovents 119 and 129.

In FIG. 1K, two adjustable deflectors 176 are shown. However, the heatexchange system may include any number of adjustable deflectors 176. Theadjustable deflectors 176 may be connected to the enclosure 172. Forexample, the adjustable deflectors 176 may directly contact theenclosure 172. The adjustable deflectors 176 may be configured tochannel an airflow (e.g., wind) while the vehicle 170 is driving, anddirect the channeled airflow into a vent (not visible in top view) ofthe enclosure 172. The adjustable deflector 176 may increase anefficiency or an amount of air flowing into the enclosure. As anexample, the adjustable deflectors 176 may be curved outward as theyextend away from the enclosure 172. The adjustable deflectors 116 mayalso be concave (not shown). The adjustable deflectors 176 may havesmooth and/or rounded edges to prevent turbulent flow. The adjustabledeflectors 176 may be comprised of a material such as a plastic, metal,fiberglass, nanomaterial, a shape memory alloy such ascopper-aluminum-nickel, nickel-titanium (NiTi), Fe—Mn—Si, Cu—Zn—Al,Cu—Al—Ni, and the like, or other suitable material. The deflectors 176may comprise an air quality sensor (not shown, same or similar to 115,125) configured to determine an air quality, for example, as an airquality index (AQI). The air quality sensor may determine an attenuationof infrared radiation, and may comprise an infrared radiation source, alight water pipe, and an infrared detector having a filter.Alternatively, the air quality sensor may be disposed elsewhere on thevehicle 170 (e.g., elsewhere on the roof of the vehicle 170).

FIG. 1L illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, corresponding to FIG. 1K, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1L illustrates an example ofan operation of the adjustable deflector(s) 176 as referenced in FIG.1K, being controlled to move up and down. In FIG. 1L, the adjustabledeflector(s) 176 may be in an inactive mode. During the inactive mode,the adjustable deflector(s) 176 may be fully embedded in the groove(s)178, and the adjustable deflector(s) 176 may not extend vertically,above a plane of the vehicle 170 (e.g., a roof of the vehicle 170).Thus, the adjustable deflector(s) 176 may be hidden from view, and notbe used. For example, during the inactive mode, the controller maydetermine that no airflow to the enclosure 172 is needed or desired,because no cooling is needed or desired.

FIG. 1M illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, corresponding to FIG. 1K and FIG. 1L,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1Millustrates an example of an operation of the adjustable deflector(s)176 as referenced in FIG. 1K. In FIG. 1M, the adjustable deflector(s)176 may be in an active mode. During the active mode, the adjustabledeflector(s) 176 may be vertically extended above the groove(s) 178, andabove a plane of the vehicle 170 (e.g., a roof of the vehicle 170). Forexample, during the active mode, the controller may determine thatairflow to the enclosure 172 is needed or desired.

FIG. 1N illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, corresponding to FIG. 1K, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1N illustrates an example ofan operation of the adjustable deflector(s) 176 as referenced in FIG.1K. In FIG. 1N, the adjustable deflector(s) 176 may be in a first mode.During the first mode, the adjustable deflector(s) 176 may be verticallyextended above the groove(s) 178, and above a plane of the vehicle 170(e.g., a roof of the vehicle 170), by a first height 171, which is lessthan a maximum height that the deflector(s) 176 could be extended abovethe roof of the vehicle 170. For example, the first height may bemeasured at a highest point of the deflector(s) above the plane of theroof of the vehicle, and the first height may be less than the maximumheight (e.g., measured at a highest point of the deflector(s) above theplane of the roof of the vehicle.

FIG. 1O illustrates an example vehicle (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a side view, corresponding to FIG. 1K and FIG. 1N,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1Nillustrates an example of an operation of the adjustable deflector(s)176 as referenced in FIG. 1K. In FIG. 1N, the adjustable deflector(s)176 may be in a second mode. During the second mode, the adjustabledeflector(s) 176 may be vertically extended above the groove(s) 178, andabove a plane of the vehicle 170 (e.g., a roof of the vehicle 170), by asecond height 173 which is more than the first height 171 referred to inFIG. 1N. For example, the second height 173 may be measured at a highestpoint of the adjustable deflector(s) above the plane of the roof of thevehicle. In the second mode, a length (e.g., second length 177) of aportion of the adjustable deflector(s) 176 that is above the roof of thevehicle 170 may be greater than a length (e.g., first length 175) of aportion of the deflector(s) 176 that is above the roof of the vehicle170 during the first mode. The adjustable deflector(s) 176 may increasean efficiency or an amount of air flowing into the enclosure.

FIG. 1P illustrates an example of a sensor system 180 in a vehicle suchas an autonomous vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100) without an enclosure, forillustrative purposes. The sensor system 180 may determine one or moreparameters oft include a LiDAR system 182, a camera system 184, a frame186, a ring 188, a temperature sensor 190, a fan 192, an airconditioning (AC) vent or cabin vent 194, a pressure sensor 195, and acontroller 196. For example, the LiDAR system 182 may be supported onthe frame 186. The camera 184 may also be attached (e.g., indirectly ordirectly) to the frame 186 or a lower base plate of the frame 186 at ornear a bottom surface of the sensor system 180. The ring 188 may bedisposed underneath the frame 186 or a lower base plate of the frame186, and may be utilized to anchor an enclosure for the sensor system180. The frame 186 may also include struts, a stand or tripod. The ring188 may be metallic, as an example. The temperature sensor 190 may be athermostat or a thermometer, and may be attached directly or indirectlyto the frame 186. The fan 192 may be a DC fan, and may be attacheddirectly or indirectly to the frame 186. The AC vent or cabin vent 194may selectively pass cool air to the LiDAR system 182, the camera system184, the bottom surface 186, the temperature sensor 190, the fan 192,and/or the controller 196. The pressure sensor 195 may determine aninternal air pressure of the enclosure.

The controller 196 may control the operations of one or more of, or allof, the LiDAR system 182, the camera system 184, the temperature sensor190, the fan 192, the AC vent 194, and an adjustable deflector (e.g.,any of adjustable deflectors 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166, 176).

For example, the controller 196 may regulate a vertical height of anadjustable deflector or adjustable deflectors based on a speed of thevehicle, a temperature (e.g., internal temperature) measured by thetemperature sensor 190, an external temperature, a difference betweenthe temperature measured by the temperature sensor 190 and the externaltemperature, or a wind speed. As an example, the controller 196 mayregulate the vertical height of the adjustable deflector(s) to increasewith the difference between the external and internal temperatures. Forexample, the vertical height of the adjustable deflector(s) may varylinearly based on the difference between the external and internaltemperatures. As another example, the vertical height of the adjustabledeflector(s) may vary based on whether the internal temperature exceedsa threshold temperature. If the internal temperature exceeds thethreshold temperature, the vertical height of the adjustabledeflector(s) may vary linearly with how much the internal temperatureexceeds the threshold temperature. As another example, the verticalheight of the adjustable deflector(s) may be regulated to increasedlinearly with the wind speed. The vertical height of the adjustabledeflector(s) may be regulated by the controller 196 in iterations. In afirst iteration, the vertical height of the adjustable deflector(s) maybe adjusted or regulated linearly based on the difference between theexternal and internal temperatures. Next, the vertical height of theadjustable deflector(s) may be adjusted or regulated linearly based onhow much the internal temperature exceeds the threshold temperature.Next, the vertical height of the adjustable deflector(s) may be adjustedor regulated linearly based on the wind speed.

The controller 196 may further regulate the vertical height of theadjustable deflector(s) based on one or any combination of predictedfuture conditions, such as anticipated speed, anticipated externaltemperature, or anticipated internal temperature of the enclosure 200.For example, if the controller 196 predicts, based on a navigation routeselected, or weather forecast, that the temperature at a destination ishigh, the controller may preemptively increase the vertical height ofthe adjustable deflector(s). As another example, if the controller 196predicts that the LiDAR system 182 or the camera system 184 will beheavily used in a near future, the controller may preemptively increasethe vertical height of the adjustable deflector(s). As another example,if the controller 196 predicts that the vehicle speed will increasebased on a type of road (e.g., highway), traffic conditions, roadconditions, and/or amount of battery/gasoline remaining, the controllermay preemptively increase the vertical height of the adjustabledeflector(s).

The controller 196 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan 192 based onthe vertical height of the adjustable deflector(s). For example, thecontroller 196 may regulate the rotation speed of the fan 192 toincrease as the vertical height of the adjustable deflector(s)increases. For example, the increase of the rotation speed of the fan192 may be linear with respect to the increase in the vertical height ofthe adjustable deflector(s). The controller 196 may also regulate therotation speed of the fan 192 based on a speed of the vehicle, atemperature measured by the temperature sensor 190, an externaltemperature, or a difference between the temperature measured by thetemperature sensor 190 and the external temperature, and operate the fan192 at the regulated rotation speed. For example, the controller 196 mayregulate a rotation speed of the fan 192 based on a speed of thevehicle, a temperature measured by the temperature sensor 190, anexternal temperature, or a difference between the temperature measuredby the temperature sensor 190 and the external temperature, and operatethe fan 192 at the regulated rotation speed. For example, the controller196 may regulate the rotation speed of the fan 192 to be linearly basedon the difference between the external and internal temperatures. Asanother example, the controller 196 may regulate the rotation speed ofthe fan 192 based on whether the internal temperature exceeds athreshold temperature. If the internal temperature exceeds the thresholdtemperature, the rotation speed of the fan 192 may vary linearly withhow much the internal temperature exceeds the threshold temperature. Therotation speed of the fan 192 may be regulated by the controller 196 initerations. In a first iteration, the rotation speed of the fan 192 maybe adjusted or regulated linearly based on the difference between theexternal and internal temperatures. Next, the rotation speed of the fan192 may be adjusted or regulated linearly based on how much the internaltemperature exceeds the threshold temperature. Next, the rotation speedof the fan 192 may be adjusted or regulated (e.g., linearly) based onthe speed of the vehicle.

Furthermore, the controller 196 may, in addition to, or instead of,regulating the rotation speed of the fan 192, regulate an amount of airentering from the AC vent 194, for example, depending or based on howmuch cooling is required for one or more of the sensors of the sensorsystem 180. For example, the controller 196 may regulate the amount ofair entering into the AC vent 194 based on one or more of, or anycombination of, the speed of the autonomous vehicle, the temperaturemeasured by the temperature sensor 190, the external temperature, thedifference between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor190 and the external temperature, or based on an internal temperature ofthe LiDAR system 182 or the cameras 184 (which may indicate how heavilythe LiDAR system 182 or the cameras 184 are being used). For example,the controller 196 may regulate the amount of air entering into the ACvent 194 by adjusting a size of an opening of the AC vent 194 (e.g., aradius of the opening of the AC vent 194), or by regulating an amount ofcool air extracted into the AC vent 194. In another embodiment, thecontroller 196 may regulate an amount of air entering from the AC vent194 based on the rotation speed of the fan 192. For example, in oneembodiment, if the rotation speed of the fan 192 is increased, thecontroller 196 may reduce the amount of air entering into the AC vent194 because adequate cooling of the sensor system 180 may already beprovided by the fan 192. In one embodiment, the controller 196 mayselect between using the fan 192 and the AC vent 194 to cool the sensorsystem 180, based on which method is more energy efficient. On the otherhand, if the operation of the fan 192 at high rotation speed itselfgenerates heat internally for the fan 192, the controller 196 mayincrease the amount of air entering into the AC vent 196 to providecooling for the fan 192. Thus, the controller 196 may increase theamount of air entering into the AC vent 194 as the rotation speed of thefan 192 is increased.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an enclosure 200 for a sensor system(e.g. sensor system 180), according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, features of the sensor system 180 ofFIG. 1P can be implemented as part of the enclosure 200 of FIG. 2 . Thesensor system may be configured to determine a parameter of theenclosure 200 or the vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100). For example, thecontroller 196 can be implemented as part of the enclosure 200 of FIG. 2. Deflector(s) (e.g., 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166, 176) may bepositioned outside the enclosure 200. FIG. 2 may include a cover 262 toencase a sensor system, which may include LiDAR sensor 230 and cameras232. For example, the cover 262 may be detachable or removable to alloweasy access to the sensor system. In some embodiments, the cover 262 mayrotate circularly, or in three hundred sixty degrees, relative to thesensor system about a central vertical axis of the cover 262. In someembodiments, the cover 262 may have a profile or shape that has a lowwind resistance or coefficient of drag, and thereby reducing negativeimpacts to fuel economy of the vehicle. For example, the cover 262 mayhave a smooth surface so that a boundary layer formed between the airand the cover 262 would be laminar rather than turbulent. For example,the cover 262 may have a sleek angular profile. In some embodiments, theouter contour of the cover 262 can have multiple distinct sections(e.g., portions, regions, etc.) with different shapes. For example, atop portion of the cover 262 may have a circular dome shape with a firstdiameter measured at a base of the top portion and may encase the LiDARsensor 230 of the autonomous vehicle. A middle portion of the cover 262directly below the top portion may have a trapezoidal or truncated coneshape with a second diameter measured at a base on the middle portion,and the second diameter may be larger than the first diameter. A lowerportion of the cover 262 directly below the middle portion may have atrapezoidal or truncated cone shape with a third diameter measured at abase on the lower portion. The third diameter may be larger than thesecond diameter. In other embodiments, the cover 262 may be entirelycomprised of a single shape, such as a circular dome shape, atrapezoidal or truncated cone shape.

The cover 262 may be made from any suitable material that allows the oneor more sensors of the enclosure 200 to properly function whileshielding the one or more sensors from environmental elements (e.g.,rain, snow, moisture, wind, dust, radiation, oxidation, etc.). Further,the suitable material may be transparent to wavelengths of light orelectro-magnetic waves receptive to the LiDAR sensor 230 and theplurality of cameras 232. For example, for the LiDAR sensor 230 toproperly operate, the cover 262 should allow laser pulses emitted fromthe LiDAR sensor 230 to pass through the cover 262 to reach a target andthen reflect back through the cover 262 and back to the LiDAR sensor230. Similarly, for the plurality of cameras 232 to properly operate,the cover 262 should allow visible light to enter. In addition to beingtransparent to wavelengths of light, the suitable material should alsobe able to withstand potential impacts from roadside debris withoutcausing damages to the LiDAR sensor 230 or the plurality of cameras 232.In an implementation, the cover 262 can be made of acrylic glass (e.g.,Cylux, Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite, Perspex, etc.). In anotherimplementation, the cover 262 can be made of strengthen glass (e.g.,Coring® Gorilla® glass). In yet another implementation, the cover 262can be made of laminated safety glass held in place by layers ofpolyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or other similarchemical compounds. Many implementations are possible and contemplated.

In some embodiments, the cover 262 can be tinted with a thin-film neuralfilter to reduce transmittance of light entering the cover 262. Forexample, in an embodiment, a lower portion of the cover 262 can beselectively tinted with the thin-film neutral filter to reduce anintensity of visible light seen by the plurality of cameras 232. In thisexample, transmittance of laser pulses emitted from the LiDAR sensor 230is not be affected by the tint because only the lower portion of thecover 262 is tinted. In another embodiment, the lower portion of thecover 262 can be tinted with a thin-film graduated neural filter inwhich the transmittance of visible light can vary along an axis. In yetanother embodiment, the whole cover 262 can be treated or coated with areflective coating such that the components of the enclosure 200 is notvisible from an outside vantage point while still being transparent towavelengths of light receptive to the LiDAR sensor 230 and the pluralityof cameras 232. Many variations, such as adding a polarization layer oran anti-reflective layer, are possible and contemplated.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 200 may comprise a frame 234, a ring236, and a plurality of anchoring posts 238. The frame 234 providesmechanical support for the LiDAR sensor 230 and the plurality of cameras232. The ring 236 provides mounting points for the cover 262 such thatthe cover 262 encases and protects the sensor system from environmentalelements. The plurality of anchoring posts 238 provides mechanicalcouplings to secure or mount the enclosure 200 to the autonomousvehicle.

In some embodiments, the frame 234 may have two base plates held inplace by struts 240. An upper base plate of the frame 234 may provide amounting surface for the LiDAR sensor 230 while a lower base plate ofthe frame 234 may provide a mounting surface for the plurality ofcameras 232. In general, any number of LiDAR sensors 230 and cameras 232may be mounted to the frame 234. The frame 234 is not limited to havingone LiDAR sensor and six cameras as shown in FIG. 2 . For example, in anembodiment, the frame 234 can have more than two base plates held inplace by the struts 240. In this example, the frame 234 may have threebase plates with upper two base plates reserved for two LiDAR sensors230 and a lower base plate for six cameras 232. In another embodiment,the lower base plate can have more than six cameras 232. For instance,there can be three cameras pointed in a forward direction of anautonomous vehicle, two cameras pointed to in a right and a leftdirection of the autonomous vehicle, and two cameras pointed in areverse direction of the autonomous vehicle. Many variations arepossible.

The frame 234 may include a temperature sensor 242, a fan 244, an airconditioning (AC) vent or cabin vent 246, and a pressure sensor 255. Thetemperature sensor 242 may be configured to measure a temperature insideof the enclosure 200. In general, the temperature sensor 242 can beplaced anywhere on the frame 234 that is representative of thetemperature of the enclosure 200. In a typical implementation, thetemperature sensor 242 is placed in a region in which heat generated bythe LiDAR sensor 230 and the plurality of cameras 232 are mostlocalized. In the example of FIG. 2 , the temperature sensor 242 isplaced on the lower base plate of the frame 234, right behind the threefront cameras. In some embodiments, the frame 234 comprises multipletemperature sensors, one for each sensor, for example, so that eachsensor temperature may be determined independently, and each sensor maybe selectively cooled without affecting other sensors. The fan 244 maybe configured to draw an inlet airflow from an external source. The fan244, in various implementations, works in conjunction with thetemperature sensor 242 to maintain a steady temperature condition insidethe enclosure 200. The fan 244 can vary its rotation speed depending onthe temperature of the enclosure 200. For example, when the enclosuretemperature is high, as measured by the temperature sensor 242, the fan244 may increase its rotation speed to draw additional volume of air tolower the temperature of the enclosure 200 and thus cooling the sensors.Similarly, when the temperature of the enclosure 200 is low, the fan 244does not need to operate as fast. The fan 244 may be located centrallyon the lower base plate of the frame 234. The AC vent or cabin vent 246may be a duct, tube, or a conduit that conveys cooling air into theenclosure 200. In an embodiment, the AC vent or cabin vent 246 may beconnected to a cabin of the autonomous vehicle. In another embodiment,the AC vent or cabin vent 246 may be connected to a separate airconditioner unit that provides cooling air separate from the cabin ofthe autonomous vehicle. The AC vent or cabin vent 246 may be directlyconnected to the enclosure 200 at a surface of the frame 234. Thepressure sensor 255 may be configured to determine an internal airpressure of the enclosure 200.

In some embodiments, the frame 234 can also include a powertrain. Thepowertrain is an electric motor coupled to a drivetrain comprising oneor more gears. The powertrain can rotate the ring 236 clockwise orcounterclockwise. In various embodiments, the electric motor can be adirect current brush or brushless motor, or an alternate currentsynchronous or asynchronous motor. Many variations are possible. Invarious embodiments, the one or more gears of the drivetrain can beconfigured to have various gear ratios designed to provide variousamounts of torque delivery and rotational speed.

In general, the frame 234 can be made from any suitable materials thatcan withstand extreme temperature swings and weather variousenvironmental conditions (e.g., rain, snow, corrosion, oxidation, etc.).The frame 234 can be fabricated using various metal alloys (e.g.,aluminum alloys, steel alloys, etc.). The frame 234 can also befabricated with three dimensional printers using thermoplastics (e.g.,polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, high impactpolystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.). Similarly, the air duct 246can be made from rigid materials (e.g., hard plastics, polyurethane,metal alloys, etc.) or semi-rigid materials (e.g., rubber, silicone,etc.). Many variations are possible.

The ring 236 can provide mounting points for the cover 262 to encase theinternal structure 204 of the enclosure 200. In the example of FIG. 2 ,the ring 236 has an outer portion that includes attaching points 248through which the cover 262 can be attached and secured. The ring 236also has an inner portion that comprises gear teeth 250 (or cogs) suchthat when the gear teeth 250 is driven by the powertrain of the frame234, the whole ring 236 rotates as a result.

Similar to the frame 234, the ring 236 can be made from any suitablematerial that can withstand extreme temperature swings and weathervarious environmental conditions. However, in most implementations, thesuitable material for the ring 236 must be somewhat more durable thanthe material used for the frame 234. This is because the gear teeth 250of the ring 236 are subject to more wear and tear from being coupled tothe powertrain of the frame 234. The ring 236 can be fabricated usingvarious metal alloys (e.g., carbon steel, alloy steel, etc.). The ring236 can also be fabricated with three dimensional printers usingthermoplastics (e.g., polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,polyamide, high impact polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.).

The plurality of the anchoring posts 238 can provide mechanicalcouplings to secure or mount the enclosure 200 to an autonomous vehicle.In general, any number of anchoring posts 238 may be used. In theexample of FIG. 2 , the enclosure 200 is shown with eight anchoringposts: four anchoring posts to secure the frame 234 to the autonomousvehicle and four anchoring posts to secure the ring 236 to theautonomous vehicle. Similar to the frame 234 and the ring 236, theplurality of the anchoring posts 238 can be made from any suitablematerials and fabricated using metal alloys (e.g., carbon steel, alloysteel, etc.) or three dimensional printed with thermoplastics (e.g.,polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, high impactpolystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.).

A controller 252 may be disposed on the frame 234, the upper base plateof the frame 234, or the lower base plate of the frame 234. Thecontroller 252 may control the operations of one of more of the LiDARsensor 230, the cameras 232, the temperature sensor 242, the fan 244,and/or the AC vent or cabin vent 246. As discussed above, with referenceto FIG. 1P, the controller 252 may regulate a height of deflector(s)outside the enclosure 200 based on a speed of the vehicle, a temperaturemeasured by the temperature sensor 242, an external temperature, adifference between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor242 and the external temperature, or a wind speed.

For example, the controller 252 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan244 based on the speed of the vehicle, the temperature measured by thetemperature sensor 242, the external temperature, or the differencebetween the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 242 and theexternal temperature, and operate the fan 244 at the regulated rotationspeed. For example, the controller 252 may regulate a rotation speed ofthe fan 244 based on any combination of the aforementioned factors. Asan example, the controller 252 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan244 based on whether the access from the enclosure 200 to the AC vent orcabin vent 246 is turned on. For example, the controller 252 mayincrease or decrease a rotation speed of the fan 244 if the access fromthe enclosure 200 to the AC vent or cabin vent 246 is turned off (e.g.,no air flows from the AC vent or cabin vent 246 to the enclosure 200).For example, the controller 252 may increase or decrease a rotationspeed of the fan 244 if the access from the enclosure 200 if the accessfrom the enclosure 200 to the AC vent or cabin vent 246 is turned on.Furthermore, the controller 252 may, in addition to, or instead of,regulating the rotation speed of the fan 244, regulate an amount of airentering from the AC vent or cabin vent 246, for example, depending orbased on how much cooling is required for one or more of the sensors ofthe enclosure 200. For example, the controller 252 may regulate theamount of air entering into the AC vent or cabin vent 246 based on oneor more of, or any combination of, the speed of the autonomous vehicle,the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 242, the externaltemperature, the difference between the temperature measured by thetemperature sensor 242 and the external temperature, or based on aninternal temperature of the LiDAR sensor 230 or the cameras 232 (whichmay indicate how heavily the LiDAR sensor 230 or the cameras 232 arebeing used). For example, the controller 252 may regulate the amount ofair entering into the AC vent or cabin vent 246 by adjusting a size ofan opening of the AC vent or cabin vent 246 (e.g., a radius of theopening of the AC vent or cabin vent 246, or by regulating an amount ofair extracted into the AC vent or cabin vent 246. In another embodiment,the controller 252 may regulate an amount of air entering from the ACvent or cabin vent 246 based on the rotation speed of the fan 244. Forexample, in one embodiment, if the rotation speed of the fan 244 isincreased, the controller 252 may reduce the amount of air entering intothe AC vent or cabin vent 246 because adequate cooling of the enclosure200 may already be provided by the fan 244. In one embodiment, thecontroller 252 may select between using the fan 244 and the AC vent orcabin vent 246 to cool the enclosure 200. For example, the controller252 may select between using the fan 244 and the AC vent or cabin vent246 to cool the enclosure 200 based on which method is more energyefficient. In one embodiment, the controller 252 may select using thefan 244 when an amount of cooling to be provided (e.g. which maycorrespond to the temperature measured by temperature sensor 242) islower than a threshold (e.g., first threshold) and using the AC vent orcabin vent 246 when the amount of cooling to be provided is greater thanthe threshold (e.g., first threshold). On the other hand, if theoperation of the fan 244 at high rotation speed itself generates heatinternally for the fan 244, the controller 252 may increase the amountof air entering into the AC vent or cabin vent 246, or allow air to passthrough the AC vent or cabin vent 246 (if no air previously was passingthrough) to provide cooling for the fan 244. Thus, the controller 252may increase the amount of air entering into the AC vent or cabin vent246 as the rotation speed of the fan 244 is increased.

The controller 252 may further be configured to turn on or turn offaccess from the AC vent or cabin vent 246 to the enclosure 200 based onthe temperature of the enclosure 200 measured by the temperature sensor242 or the internal air pressure of the enclosure 200 measured by thepressure sensor 255. For example, an increase in the internaltemperature of the enclosure 200 may result in changes in internal airpressure of a portion of the enclosure 200 because warmer air rises. Tocompensate for changes in the temperature and/or pressure inside theenclosure 200, the AC vent or cabin vent 246 may be turned on to allowAC air or cabin air to flow into the AC vent or cabin vent 246.Furthermore, the controller 252 may be configured to increase ordecrease an amount of AC air or cabin air going into the enclosure 200,for example, by increasing or decreasing a size of the AC vent or cabinvent 246. In another embodiment, the controller 252 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air, for example,based on a gradient of temperature inside the enclosure 200 or agradient of pressure inside the enclosure 200. As an example, if agradient of temperature inside the enclosure 200 exceeds a threshold(e.g., second threshold), the controller 252 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air. As an example, ifa gradient of pressure inside the enclosure 200 exceeds a threshold(e.g., third threshold), the controller 252 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air.

The controller 252 may further adjust a rotation speed of the fan 244,and/or an amount of air entering the AC vent or cabin vent 246, based onone or any combination of predicted future conditions, such asanticipated speed, anticipated external temperature, or anticipatedinternal temperature of the enclosure 200. For example, if thecontroller 252 predicts, based on a navigation route selected, orweather forecast, that the temperature at a destination is high, thecontroller may preemptively precool the enclosure 200 by increasing therotation speed of the fan 244 or increasing the amount of air enteringthe AC vent or cabin vent 246. As another example, if the controller 252predicts that the LiDAR sensor 230 or the cameras 232 will be heavilyused in a near future, the controller may preemptively precool theenclosure 200 by increasing the rotation speed of the fan 244 orincreasing the amount of air entering the AC vent or cabin vent 246. Asanother example, if the controller 252 predicts that the vehicle speedwill increase based on a type of road (e.g., highway), trafficconditions, road conditions, and/or amount of battery/gasolineremaining, the controller may preemptively precool the enclosure 200 byincreasing the rotation speed of the fan 244 or increasing the amount ofair entering the AC vent or cabin vent 246.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an enclosure 300 for a sensor system(e.g. sensor system 180), according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, features of the sensor system 180 ofFIG. 1P can be implemented as part of the enclosure 300 of FIG. 3 . Thesensor system may be configured to determine a parameter of theenclosure 300 or the vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100). For example, thecontroller 196 can be implemented as part of the enclosure 300 of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 may include a cover 362 to encase a sensor system, which mayinclude LiDAR sensor 330 and cameras 332. For example, the cover 362 maybe detachable or removable to allow easy access to the sensor system. Insome embodiments, the cover 362 can rotate circularly, or in threehundred sixty degrees, relative to the sensor system about a centralvertical axis of the cover 362. In some embodiments, the cover 362 mayhave a profile or shape that has a low wind resistance or coefficient ofdrag, and thereby reducing negative impacts to fuel economy of theautonomous vehicle. For example, the cover 362 may have a smooth surfaceso that a boundary layer formed between the air and the cover 362 wouldbe laminar rather than turbulent. For example, the cover 362 may have asleek angular profile. In some embodiments, the outer contour of thecover 362 can have multiple distinct sections (e.g., portions, regions,etc.) with different shapes. For example, a top portion of the cover 362may have a circular dome shape with a first diameter measured at a baseof the top portion and may encase the LiDAR sensor 330 of the autonomousvehicle. A middle portion of the cover 362 directly below the topportion may have a trapezoidal or truncated cone shape with a seconddiameter measured at a base on the middle portion, and the seconddiameter may be larger than the first diameter. A lower portion of thecover 362 directly below the middle portion may have a trapezoidal ortruncated cone shape with a third diameter measured at a base on thelower portion. The third diameter may be larger than the seconddiameter. In other embodiments, the cover 362 may be entirely comprisedof a single shape, such as a circular dome shape, a trapezoidal ortruncated cone shape.

The cover 362 may be made from any suitable material that allows the oneor more sensors of the enclosure 300 to properly function whileshielding the one or more sensors from environmental elements (e.g.,rain, snow, moisture, wind, dust, radiation, oxidation, etc.). Further,the suitable material must be transparent to wavelengths of light orelectro-magnetic waves receptive to the LiDAR sensor 330 and theplurality of cameras 332. For example, for the LiDAR sensor 330 toproperly operate, the cover 362 must allow laser pulses emitted from theLiDAR sensor 330 to pass through the cover 362 to reach a target andthen reflect back through the cover 362 and back to the LiDAR sensor330. Similarly, for the plurality of cameras 332 to properly operate,the cover 362 must allow visible light to enter. In addition to beingtransparent to wavelengths of light, the suitable material must also beable to withstand potential impacts from roadside debris without causingdamages to the LiDAR sensor 330 or the plurality of cameras 332. In animplementation, the cover 362 can be made of acrylic glass (e.g., Cylux,Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite, Perspex, etc.). In another implementation,the cover 362 can be made of strengthen glass (e.g., Coring® Gorilla®glass). In yet another implementation, the cover 362 can be made oflaminated safety glass held in place by layers of polyvinyl butyral(PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or other similar chemicalcompounds. Many implementations are possible and contemplated.

In some embodiments, the cover 362 can be tinted with a thin-film neuralfilter to reduce transmittance of light entering the cover 362. Forexample, in an embodiment, a lower portion of the cover 362 can beselectively tinted with the thin-film neutral filter to reduce anintensity of visible light seen by the plurality of cameras 332. In thisexample, transmittance of laser pulses emitted from the LiDAR sensor 330is not be affected by the tint because only the lower portion of thecover 342 is tinted. In another embodiment, the lower portion of thecover 362 can be tinted with a thin-film graduated neural filter inwhich the transmittance of visible light can vary along an axis. In yetanother embodiment, the whole cover 362 can be treated or coated with areflective coating such that the components of the enclosure 300 is notvisible from an outside vantage point while still being transparent towavelengths of light receptive to the LiDAR sensor 330 and the pluralityof cameras 332. Many variations, such as adding a polarization layer oran anti-reflective layer, are possible and contemplated.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 300 may comprise a frame 334, a ring336, and a plurality of anchoring posts 338. The frame 334 providesmechanical support for the LiDAR sensor 330 and the plurality of cameras332. The ring 336 provides mounting points for the cover 362 such thatthe cover 362 encases and protects the sensor system from environmentalelements. The plurality of anchoring posts 338 provides mechanicalcouplings to secure or mount the enclosure 300 to the autonomousvehicle.

In some embodiments, the frame 334 may have two base plates held inplace by struts 340. An upper base plate of the frame 334 may provide amounting surface for the LiDAR sensor 330 while a lower base plate ofthe frame 334 may provide a mounting surface for the plurality ofcameras 332. In general, any number of LiDAR sensors 330 and cameras 332may be mounted to the frame 334. The frame 334 is not limited to havingone LiDAR sensor and six cameras as shown in FIG. 3 . For example, in anembodiment, the frame 334 can have more than two base plates held inplace by the struts 340. In this example, the frame 334 may have threebase plates with upper two base plates reserved for two LiDAR sensors330 and a lower base plate for six cameras 332. In another embodiment,the lower base plate can have more than six cameras 332. For instance,there can be three cameras pointed in a forward direction of anautonomous vehicle, two cameras pointed to in a right and a leftdirection of the autonomous vehicle, and two cameras pointed in areverse direction of the autonomous vehicle. Many variations arepossible.

The frame 334 may include a temperature sensor 342, a fan 344, an airconditioning (AC) vent or cabin vent 346, and a pressure sensor 355. Thetemperature sensor 342 can be configured to measure a temperature of theenclosure 300. In general, the temperature sensor 342 can be placedanywhere on the frame 334 that is representative of the enclosuretemperature. In a typical implementation, the temperature sensor 342 isplaced in a region in which heat generated by the LiDAR sensor 330 andthe plurality of cameras 332 are most localized. In the example of FIG.3 , the temperature sensor 342 is placed on the lower base plate of theframe 334, right behind the three front cameras. The fan 344 can beconfigured to draw an inlet airflow from an external source. The fan344, in various implementations, works in conjunction with thetemperature sensor 342 to maintain a steady temperature condition insidethe enclosure 300. The fan 344 can vary its rotation speed depending onthe enclosure temperature. For example, when the enclosure temperatureis high, as measured by the temperature sensor 342, the fan 344 mayincrease its rotation speed to draw additional volume of air to lowerthe temperature of the enclosure 300 and thus cooling the sensors.Similarly, when the temperature of the enclosure 300 is low, the fan 344does not need to operate as fast. The fan 344 may be located centrallyon the lower base plate of the frame 334. The AC vent or cabin vent 346may be a duct, tube, or a conduit that conveys cooling air into theenclosure 300. In an embodiment, the AC vent or cabin vent 346 may beconnected to a cabin of the autonomous vehicle. In another embodiment,the AC vent or cabin vent 346 may be connected to a separate airconditioner unit that provides cooling air separate from the cabin ofthe autonomous vehicle. The AC vent or cabin vent 346 may be directlyconnected to the enclosure 300 at a surface of the frame 334. Thepressure sensor 355 may be configured to determine an internal airpressure of the enclosure 300.

In some embodiments, the frame 334 can also include a powertrain. Thepowertrain is an electric motor coupled to a drivetrain comprising oneor more gears. The powertrain can rotate the ring 336 clockwise orcounter-clockwise. In various embodiments, the electric motor can be adirect current brush or brushless motor, or an alternate currentsynchronous or asynchronous motor. Many variations are possible. Invarious embodiments, the one or more gears of the drivetrain can beconfigured to have various gear ratios designed to provide variousamounts of torque delivery and rotational speed.

In general, the frame 334 can be made from any suitable materials thatcan withstand extreme temperature swings and weather variousenvironmental conditions (e.g., rain, snow, corrosion, oxidation, etc.).The frame 334 can be fabricated using various metal alloys (e.g.,aluminum alloys, steel alloys, etc.). The frame 334 can also befabricated with three dimensional printers using thermoplastics (e.g.,polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, high impactpolystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.). Similarly, the air duct 346can be made from rigid materials (e.g., hard plastics, polyurethane,metal alloys, etc.) or semi-rigid materials (e.g., rubber, silicone,etc.). Many variations are possible.

The ring 336 can provide mounting points for the cover 362 to encase theinternal structure 304 of the enclosure 300. In the example of FIG. 3 ,the ring 336 has an outer portion that includes attaching points 348through which the cover 362 can be attached and secured. The ring 336also has an inner portion that comprises gear teeth 350 (or cogs) suchthat when the gear teeth 350 is driven by the powertrain of the frame334, the whole ring 336 rotates as a result.

Similar to the frame 334, the ring 336 can be made from any suitablematerial that can withstand extreme temperature swings and weathervarious environmental conditions. However, in most implementations, thesuitable material for the ring 336 must be somewhat more durable thanthe material used for the frame 334. This is because the gear teeth 350of the ring 336 are subject to more wear and tear from being coupled tothe powertrain of the frame 334. The ring 336 can be fabricated usingvarious metal alloys (e.g., carbon steel, alloy steel, etc.). The ring336 can also be fabricated with three dimensional printers usingthermoplastics (e.g., polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,polyamide, high impact polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.).

The plurality of the anchoring posts 338 can provide mechanicalcouplings to secure or mount the enclosure 300 to an autonomous vehicle.In general, any number of anchoring posts 338 may be used. In theexample of FIG. 3 , the enclosure 300 is shown with eight anchoringposts: four anchoring posts to secure the frame 334 to the autonomousvehicle and four anchoring posts to secure the ring 336 to theautonomous vehicle. Similar to the frame 334 and the ring 336, theplurality of the anchoring posts 338 can be made from any suitablematerials and fabricated using metal alloys (e.g., carbon steel, alloysteel, etc.) or three dimensional printed with thermoplastics (e.g.,polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, high impactpolystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.).

A first vent 354 and/or a second vent 356 may be disposed on the cover362. For example, the first vent 354 may be disposed on near the frame344 or between the upper base plate of the frame 334 and the lower baseplate of the frame 334. For example, the second vent 356 may be disposedat or near the top of the cover 362. The first vent 354 allows air fromoutside to flow into the enclosure 300, and may be used to preventhumidification and/or overheating. The second vent 356 allows warm/hotair to be expelled from the enclosure 300. The first vent 354 and/or thesecond vent 356 may be conducive to laminar flow of air. For example, aboundary layer created by the air entering and the first vent 354 wouldbe laminar so that the boundary layer does not create turbulent flow.The first vent 354 and/or the second vent 356 may comprise a smoothorifice, and may be shaped to have a circular or elliptical crosssection. The first vent 354 and/or the second vent 356 may be shaped sothat the Reynolds number of air flowing through the second vent 356 maybe at most 2000, to create laminar flow. In some embodiments, theReynolds number of air flowing through the first vent 354 and/or thesecond vent 356 may be at most 3000, or at most 1000.

A controller 352 may be disposed on the frame 334, the upper base plateof the frame 334, or the lower base plate of the frame 334. Thecontroller 352 may control the operations of one of more of the LiDARsensor 330, the cameras 332, the temperature sensor 342, the fan 344,the AC vent or cabin vent 346, the first vent 354, and/or the secondvent 356.

For example, the controller 352 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan344 based on a speed of the vehicle, a temperature measured by thetemperature sensor 342, an external temperature, or a difference betweenthe temperature measured by the temperature sensor 342 and the externaltemperature, and operate the fan 344 at the regulated rotation speed.For example, the controller 352 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan344 based on any combination of the aforementioned factors. As anexample, the controller 352 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan 344based on whether the access from the enclosure 300 to the AC vent orcabin vent 346 is turned on. For example, the controller 352 mayincrease or decrease a rotation speed of the fan 344 if the access fromthe enclosure 300 to the AC vent or cabin vent 346 is turned off (e.g.,no air flows from the AC vent or cabin vent 346 to the enclosure 300).For example, the controller 352 may increase or decrease a rotationspeed of the fan 344 if the access from the enclosure 300 if the accessfrom the enclosure 300 to the AC vent or cabin vent 346 is turned on.For example, the controller 352 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan344 based on a level of wind external to the enclosure 300. For example,the level of wind may be determined by an amount of airflow enteringthrough the first vent 354. For example, if enough air is enteringthrough the first vent 354 to provide cooling and/or ventilation, thecontroller 352 may reduce the rotation speed of the fan 344 or shut offthe fan 344. Furthermore, the controller 352 may, in addition to, orinstead of, regulating the rotation speed of the fan 344, regulate anamount of air entering from the AC vent or cabin vent 346, for example,depending or based on how much cooling is required for one or more ofthe sensors of the enclosure 300. For example, the controller 352 mayregulate the amount of air entering into the AC vent or cabin vent 346based on one or more of, or any combination of, the speed of theautonomous vehicle, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor342, the external temperature, the difference between the temperaturemeasured by the temperature sensor 342 and the external temperature, orbased on an internal temperature of the LiDAR sensor 330 or the cameras332 (which may indicate how heavily the LiDAR sensor 330 or the cameras332 are being used). For example, the controller 352 may regulate theamount of air entering into the AC vent or cabin vent 346 by adjusting asize of an opening of the AC vent or cabin vent 346 (e.g., a radius ofthe opening of the AC vent or cabin vent 346, or by regulating an amountof air extracted into the AC vent or cabin vent 346. In anotherembodiment, the controller 352 may regulate an amount of air enteringfrom the AC vent or cabin vent 346 based on the rotation speed of thefan 344. For example, in one embodiment, if the rotation speed of thefan 344 is increased, the controller 352 may reduce the amount of airentering into the AC vent or cabin vent 346 because adequate cooling ofthe enclosure 300 may already be provided by the fan 344. In oneembodiment, the controller 352 may select between using the fan 344 andthe AC vent or cabin vent 346 to cool the enclosure 300. For example,the controller 352 may select between using the fan 344 and the AC ventor cabin vent 346 to cool the enclosure 300 based on which method ismore energy efficient. In one embodiment, the controller 352 may selectusing the fan 344 when an amount of cooling to be provided (e.g. whichmay correspond to the temperature measured by temperature sensor 342) islower than a threshold (e.g., first threshold) and using the AC vent orcabin vent 346 when the amount of cooling to be provided is greater thanthe threshold (e.g., first threshold). On the other hand, if theoperation of the fan 344 at high rotation speed itself generates heatinternally for the fan 344, the controller 352 may increase the amountof air entering into, or permit air to enter through, the AC vent orcabin vent 346 to provide cooling for the fan 344. Thus, the controller352 may increase the amount of air entering into the AC vent or cabinvent 346 as the rotation speed of the fan 344 is increased.

The controller 352 may further be configured to turn on or turn offaccess from the AC vent or cabin vent 346 to the enclosure 300 based onthe temperature of the enclosure 300 measured by the temperature sensor342 or the internal air pressure of the enclosure 300 measured by thepressure sensor 355. For example, an increase in the internaltemperature of the enclosure 300 may result in changes in internal airpressure of a portion of the enclosure 300 because warmer air rises. Tocompensate for changes in the temperature and/or pressure inside theenclosure 300, the AC vent or cabin vent 346 may be turned on to allowAC air or cabin air to flow into the AC vent or cabin vent 346.Furthermore, the controller 352 may be configured to increase ordecrease an amount of AC air or cabin air going into the enclosure 300,for example, by increasing or decreasing a size of the AC vent or cabinvent 346. In another embodiment, the controller 352 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air, for example,based on a gradient of temperature inside the enclosure 300 or agradient of pressure inside the enclosure 300. As an example, if agradient of temperature inside the enclosure 300 exceeds a threshold(e.g., second threshold), the controller 352 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air. As an example, ifa gradient of pressure inside the enclosure 300 exceeds a threshold(e.g., third threshold), the controller 352 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air.

The controller 352 may further adjust a rotation speed of the fan 344,and/or an amount of air entering the AC vent or cabin vent 346, based onone or any combination of predicted future conditions, such asanticipated speed, anticipated external temperature, or anticipatedinternal temperature of the enclosure 300. For example, if thecontroller 352 predicts, based on a navigation route selected, orweather forecast, that the temperature at a destination is high, thecontroller may preemptively precool the enclosure 300 by increasing therotation speed of the fan 344 or increasing the amount of air enteringthe AC vent or cabin vent 346. As another example, if the controller 352predicts that the LiDAR sensor 330 or the cameras 332 will be heavilyused in a near future, the controller may preemptively precool theenclosure 300 by increasing the rotation speed of the fan 344 orincreasing the amount of air entering the AC vent or cabin vent 346. Asanother example, if the controller 352 predicts that the vehicle speedwill increase based on a type of road (e.g., highway), trafficconditions, road conditions, and/or amount of battery/gasolineremaining, the controller may preemptively precool the enclosure 300 byincreasing the rotation speed of the fan 344 or increasing the amount ofair entering the AC vent or cabin vent 346.

Optionally, the enclosure 300 also comprises a filter 360, or one ormore filters 360, to filter debris. In one embodiment, the filter 360 isa HEPA filter. The one or more filters 360 may be disposed on an upperbase plate of the frame 334, a lower base plate of the frame 334, or theframe 334. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more filters 360may be disposed at an inlet of the first vent 354. The activity of thefilter 360 may be controlled by the controller 352. For example, if adetected level of debris is high, the controller 352 may increase anactivity level of the filter 360 (e.g. a heavy-duty mode). In contrast,if a detected level of debris is low, the controller 352 may decrease anactivity level of the filter 360 (e.g. a light-duty mode). The filter360 may further be adjusted to filter out particles of specific rangesof sizes (e.g., by the controller 352).

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an enclosure 400 for a sensor system(e.g. sensor system 180), according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, features of the sensor system 180 ofFIG. 1P can be implemented as part of the enclosure 400 of FIG. 4 . Thesensor system may be configured to determine a parameter of theenclosure 400 or the vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100). For example, thecontroller 196 can be implemented as part of the enclosure 400 of FIG. 4. FIG. 4 may include a cover 462 to encase a sensor system, which mayinclude LiDAR sensor 430 and cameras 432. For example, the cover 462 maybe detachable or removable to allow easy access to the sensor system. Insome embodiments, the cover 462 can rotate circularly, or in threehundred sixty degrees, relative to the sensor system about a centralvertical axis of the cover 462. In some embodiments, the cover 462 mayhave a profile or shape that has a low wind resistance or coefficient ofdrag, and thereby reducing negative impacts to fuel economy of theautonomous vehicle. For example, the cover 462 may have a smooth surfaceso that a boundary layer formed between the air and the cover 462 wouldbe laminar rather than turbulent. For example, the cover 462 may have asleek angular profile. In some embodiments, the outer contour of thecover 462 can have multiple distinct sections (e.g., portions, regions,etc.) with different shapes. For example, a top portion of the cover 462may have a circular dome shape with a first diameter measured at a baseof the top portion and may encase the LiDAR sensor 430 of the autonomousvehicle. A middle portion of the cover 462 directly below the topportion may have a trapezoidal or truncated cone shape with a seconddiameter measured at a base on the middle portion, and the seconddiameter may be larger than the first diameter. A lower portion of thecover 462 directly below the middle portion may have a trapezoidal ortruncated cone shape with a third diameter measured at a base on thelower portion. The third diameter may be larger than the seconddiameter. In other embodiments, the cover 462 may be entirely comprisedof a single shape, such as a circular dome shape, a trapezoidal ortruncated cone shape.

The cover 462 may be made from any suitable material that allows the oneor more sensors of the enclosure 400 to properly function whileshielding the one or more sensors from environmental elements (e.g.,rain, snow, moisture, wind, dust, radiation, oxidation, etc.). Further,the suitable material must be transparent to wavelengths of light orelectro-magnetic waves receptive to the LiDAR sensor 430 and theplurality of cameras 432. For example, for the LiDAR sensor 430 toproperly operate, the cover 462 must allow laser pulses emitted from theLiDAR sensor 430 to pass through the cover 462 to reach a target andthen reflect back through the cover 462 and back to the LiDAR sensor430. Similarly, for the plurality of cameras 432 to properly operate,the cover 462 must allow visible light to enter. In addition to beingtransparent to wavelengths of light, the suitable material must also beable to withstand potential impacts from roadside debris without causingdamages to the LiDAR sensor 430 or the plurality of cameras 432. In animplementation, the cover 462 can be made of acrylic glass (e.g., Cylux,Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite, Perspex, etc.). In another implementation,the cover 462 can be made of strengthen glass (e.g., Coring® Gorilla®glass). In yet another implementation, the cover 362 can be made oflaminated safety glass held in place by layers of polyvinyl butyral(PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or other similar chemicalcompounds. Many implementations are possible and contemplated.

In some embodiments, the cover 462 can be tinted with a thin-film neuralfilter to reduce transmittance of light entering the cover 462. Forexample, in an embodiment, a lower portion of the cover 462 can beselectively tinted with the thin-film neutral filter to reduce anintensity of visible light seen by the plurality of cameras 432. In thisexample, transmittance of laser pulses emitted from the LiDAR sensor 430is not be affected by the tint because only the lower portion of thecover 442 is tinted. In another embodiment, the lower portion of thecover 462 can be tinted with a thin-film graduated neural filter inwhich the transmittance of visible light can vary along an axis. In yetanother embodiment, the whole cover 462 can be treated or coated with areflective coating such that the components of the enclosure 400 is notvisible from an outside vantage point while still being transparent towavelengths of light receptive to the LiDAR sensor 430 and the pluralityof cameras 432. Many variations, such as adding a polarization layer oran anti-reflective layer, are possible and contemplated.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 400 may comprise a frame 434, a ring436, and a plurality of anchoring posts 438. The frame 434 providesmechanical support for the LiDAR sensor 430 and the plurality of cameras432. The ring 436 provides mounting points for the cover 462 such thatthe cover 462 encases and protects the sensor system from environmentalelements. The plurality of anchoring posts 438 provides mechanicalcouplings to secure or mount the enclosure 400 to the autonomousvehicle.

In some embodiments, the frame 434 may have two base plates held inplace by struts 440. An upper base plate of the frame 434 may provide amounting surface for the LiDAR sensor 430 while a lower base plate ofthe frame 434 may provide a mounting surface for the plurality ofcameras 432. In general, any number of LiDAR sensors 430 and cameras 432may be mounted to the frame 434. The frame 434 is not limited to havingone LiDAR sensor and six cameras as shown in FIG. 4 . For example, in anembodiment, the frame 434 can have more than two base plates held inplace by the struts 440. In this example, the frame 434 may have threebase plates with upper two base plates reserved for two LiDAR sensors430 and a lower base plate for six cameras 432. In another embodiment,the lower base plate can have more than six cameras 432. For instance,there can be three cameras pointed in a forward direction of anautonomous vehicle, two cameras pointed to in a right and a leftdirection of the autonomous vehicle, and two cameras pointed in areverse direction of the autonomous vehicle. Many variations arepossible.

The frame 434 may include a temperature sensor 442, a fan 444, an airconditioning (AC) vent or cabin vent 446, and a pressure sensor 455. Thetemperature sensor 442 can be configured to measure a temperature of theenclosure 400. In general, the temperature sensor 442 can be placedanywhere on the frame 434 that is representative of the enclosuretemperature. In a typical implementation, the temperature sensor 442 isplaced in a region in which heat generated by the LiDAR sensor 430 andthe plurality of cameras 432 are most localized. In the example of FIG.4 , the temperature sensor 442 is placed on the lower base plate of theframe 434, right behind the three front cameras. The fan 444 can beconfigured to draw an inlet airflow from an external source. The fan444, in various implementations, works in conjunction with thetemperature sensor 442 to maintain a steady temperature condition insidethe enclosure 400. The fan 444 can vary its rotation speed depending onthe enclosure temperature. For example, when the enclosure temperatureis high, as measured by the temperature sensor 442, the fan 444 mayincrease its rotation speed to draw additional volume of air to lowerthe temperature of the enclosure 400 and thus cooling the sensors.Similarly, when the temperature of the enclosure 400 is low, the fan 444does not need to operate as fast. The fan 444 may be located centrallyon the lower base plate of the frame 434. The AC vent or cabin vent 446may be a duct, tube, or a conduit that conveys cooling air into theenclosure 400. In an embodiment, the AC vent or cabin vent 446 may beconnected to a cabin of the autonomous vehicle. In another embodiment,the AC vent or cabin vent 446 may be connected to a separate airconditioner unit that provides cooling air separate from the cabin ofthe autonomous vehicle. The AC vent or cabin vent 446 may be directlyconnected to the enclosure 400 at a surface of the frame 434. Thepressure sensor 455 may be configured to determine an internal airpressure of the enclosure 400.

In some embodiments, the frame 434 can also include a powertrain. Thepowertrain is an electric motor coupled to a drivetrain comprising oneor more gears. The powertrain can rotate the ring 436 clockwise orcounter-clockwise. In various embodiments, the electric motor can be adirect current brush or brushless motor, or an alternate currentsynchronous or asynchronous motor. Many variations are possible. Invarious embodiments, the one or more gears of the drivetrain can beconfigured to have various gear ratios designed to provide variousamounts of torque delivery and rotational speed.

In general, the frame 434 can be made from any suitable materials thatcan withstand extreme temperature swings and weather variousenvironmental conditions (e.g., rain, snow, corrosion, oxidation, etc.).The frame 434 can be fabricated using various metal alloys (e.g.,aluminum alloys, steel alloys, etc.). The frame 434 can also befabricated with three dimensional printers using thermoplastics (e.g.,polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, high impactpolystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.). Similarly, the air duct 446can be made from rigid materials (e.g., hard plastics, polyurethane,metal alloys, etc.) or semi-rigid materials (e.g., rubber, silicone,etc.). Many variations are possible.

The ring 436 can provide mounting points for the cover 362 to encase theinternal structure 304 of the enclosure 400. In the example of FIG. 4 ,the ring 436 has an outer portion that includes attaching points 448through which the cover 362 can be attached and secured. The ring 436also has an inner portion that comprises gear teeth 450 (or cogs) suchthat when the gear teeth 450 is driven by the powertrain of the frame434, the whole ring 436 rotates as a result.

Similar to the frame 434, the ring 436 can be made from any suitablematerial that can withstand extreme temperature swings and weathervarious environmental conditions. However, in most implementations, thesuitable material for the ring 436 must be somewhat more durable thanthe material used for the frame 434. This is because the gear teeth 450of the ring 436 are subject to more wear and tear from being coupled tothe powertrain of the frame 434. The ring 436 can be fabricated usingvarious metal alloys (e.g., carbon steel, alloy steel, etc.). The ring436 can also be fabricated with three dimensional printers usingthermoplastics (e.g., polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,polyamide, high impact polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.).

The plurality of the anchoring posts 438 can provide mechanicalcouplings to secure or mount the enclosure 400 to an autonomous vehicle.In general, any number of anchoring posts 438 may be used. In theexample of FIG. 4 , the enclosure 400 is shown with eight anchoringposts: four anchoring posts to secure the frame 434 to the autonomousvehicle and four anchoring posts to secure the ring 436 to theautonomous vehicle. Similar to the frame 434 and the ring 436, theplurality of the anchoring posts 438 can be made from any suitablematerials and fabricated using metal alloys (e.g., carbon steel, alloysteel, etc.) or three dimensional printed with thermoplastics (e.g.,polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, high impactpolystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.).

A first vent 454 and/or a second vent 456 may be disposed on the cover462. For example, the first vent 454 may be disposed on near the frame444 or between the upper base plate of the frame 434 and the lower baseplate of the frame 434. For example, the second vent 456 may be disposedat or near the top of the cover 462. The first vent 454 allows air fromoutside to flow into the enclosure 400, and may be used to preventhumidification and/or overheating. The second vent 456 allows warm/hotair to be expelled from the enclosure 400. The first vent 454 and/or thesecond vent 456 may be conducive to laminar flow of air. For example, aboundary layer created by the air entering and the first vent 454 wouldbe laminar so that the boundary layer does not create turbulent flow.The first vent 454 and/or the second vent 456 may comprise a smoothorifice, and may be shaped to have a circular or elliptical crosssection. The first vent 454 and/or the second vent 456 may be shaped sothat the Reynolds number of air flowing through the second vent 456 maybe at most 2000, to create laminar flow. In some embodiments, theReynolds number of air flowing through the first vent 454 and/or thesecond vent 456 may be at most 3000, or at most 1000.

The second vent 456 may further comprise a moisture absorbent material458 at or near an outlet of the second vent 456. The moisture absorbentmaterial 458 may be desiccant. The moisture absorbent material 458 maybe impermeable to liquid and permeable to air. For example, in rainyconditions, the moisture absorbent material 458 may absorb rainwater andnot permit the rainwater to seep into the enclosure 400. Optionally, thefirst vent 454 may also comprise a moisture absorbent material at ornear an inlet of the first vent 454.

A controller 452 may be disposed on the frame 434, the upper base plateof the frame 434, or the lower base plate of the frame 434. Thecontroller 452 may control the operations of one of more of the LiDARsensor 430, the cameras 432, the temperature sensor 442, the fan 444,the AC vent or cabin vent 446, the first vent 454, and/or the secondvent 456.

For example, the controller 452 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan444 based on a speed of the vehicle, a temperature measured by thetemperature sensor 442, an external temperature, or a difference betweenthe temperature measured by the temperature sensor 442 and the externaltemperature, and operate the fan 444 at the regulated rotation speed.For example, the controller 452 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan444 based on any combination of the aforementioned factors. For example,the controller 452 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan 444 based onwhether the access from the enclosure 400 to the AC vent or cabin vent446 is turned on. As an example, the controller 452 may regulate arotation speed of the fan 444 based on whether the access from theenclosure 400 to the AC vent or cabin vent 446 is turned on. Forexample, the controller 452 may increase or decrease a rotation speed ofthe fan 444 if the access from the enclosure 400 to the AC vent or cabinvent 446 is turned off (e.g., no air flows from the AC vent or cabinvent 446 to the enclosure 400). For example, the controller 452 mayincrease or decrease a rotation speed of the fan 444 if the access fromthe enclosure 400 if the access from the enclosure 400 to the AC vent orcabin vent 446 is turned on. For example, the controller 452 mayregulate a rotation speed of the fan 444 based on a level of windexternal to the enclosure 400. For example, the level of wind may bedetermined by an amount of airflow entering through the first vent 454.For example, if enough air is entering through the first vent 454 toprovide cooling and/or ventilation, the controller 452 may reduce therotation speed of the fan 444 or shut off the fan 444. Furthermore, thecontroller 452 may, in addition to, or instead of, regulating therotation speed of the fan 444, regulate an amount of air entering fromthe AC vent or cabin vent 446, for example, depending or based on howmuch cooling is required for one or more of the sensors of the enclosure400. For example, the controller 452 may regulate the amount of airentering into the AC vent or cabin vent 446 based on one or more of, orany combination of, the speed of the autonomous vehicle, the temperaturemeasured by the temperature sensor 442, the external temperature, thedifference between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor442 and the external temperature, or based on an internal temperature ofthe LiDAR sensor 430 or the cameras 432 (which may indicate how heavilythe LiDAR sensor 430 or the cameras 432 are being used). For example,the controller 452 may regulate the amount of air entering into the ACvent or cabin vent 446 by adjusting a size of an opening of the AC ventor cabin vent 446 (e.g., a radius of the opening of the AC vent or cabinvent 446, or by regulating an amount of air extracted into the AC ventor cabin vent 446. In another embodiment, the controller 452 mayregulate an amount of air entering from the AC vent or cabin vent 446based on the rotation speed of the fan 444. For example, in oneembodiment, if the rotation speed of the fan 444 is increased, thecontroller 452 may reduce the amount of air entering into the AC vent orcabin vent 446 because adequate cooling of the enclosure 400 may alreadybe provided by the fan 444. In one embodiment, the controller 452 mayselect between using the fan 444 and the AC vent or cabin vent 446 tocool the enclosure 400. For example, the controller 452 may selectbetween using the fan 444 and the AC vent or cabin vent 446 to cool theenclosure 400 based on which method is more energy efficient. In oneembodiment, the controller 452 may select using the fan 444 when anamount of cooling to be provided (e.g. which may correspond to thetemperature measured by temperature sensor 442) is lower than athreshold (e.g., first threshold) and using the AC vent or cabin vent446 when the amount of cooling to be provided is greater than thethreshold (e.g., first threshold). On the other hand, if the operationof the fan 444 at high rotation speed itself generates heat internallyfor the fan 444, the controller 452 may increase the amount of airentering into the AC vent or cabin vent 446 to provide cooling for thefan 444. Thus, the controller 452 may increase the amount of airentering into the AC vent or cabin vent 446 as the rotation speed of thefan 444 is increased.

The controller 452 may further be configured to turn on or turn offaccess from the AC vent or cabin vent 446 to the enclosure 400 based onthe temperature of the enclosure 400 measured by the temperature sensor442 or the internal air pressure of the enclosure 400 measured by thepressure sensor 455. For example, an increase in the internaltemperature of the enclosure 400 may result in changes in internal airpressure of a portion of the enclosure 400 because warmer air rises. Tocompensate for changes in the temperature and/or pressure inside theenclosure 400, the AC vent or cabin vent 446 may be turned on to allowAC air or cabin air to flow into the AC vent or cabin vent 446.Furthermore, the controller 452 may be configured to increase ordecrease an amount of AC air or cabin air going into the enclosure 400,for example, by increasing or decreasing a size of the AC vent or cabinvent 446. In another embodiment, the controller 452 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air, for example,based on a gradient of temperature inside the enclosure 400 or agradient of pressure inside the enclosure 400. As an example, if agradient of temperature inside the enclosure 400 exceeds a threshold(e.g., second threshold), the controller 452 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air. As an example, ifa gradient of pressure inside the enclosure 400 exceeds a threshold(e.g., third threshold), the controller 452 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air.

The controller 452 may further adjust a rotation speed of the fan 444,and/or an amount of air entering the AC vent or cabin vent 446, based onone or any combination of predicted future conditions, such asanticipated speed, anticipated external temperature, or anticipatedinternal temperature of the enclosure 400. For example, if thecontroller 452 predicts, based on a navigation route selected, orweather forecast, that the temperature at a destination is high, thecontroller may preemptively precool the enclosure 400 by increasing therotation speed of the fan 444 or increasing the amount of air enteringthe AC vent or cabin vent 446. As another example, if the controller 452predicts that the LiDAR sensor 430 or the cameras 432 will be heavilyused in a near future, the controller may preemptively precool theenclosure 400 by increasing the rotation speed of the fan 444 orincreasing the amount of air entering the AC vent or cabin vent 446. Asanother example, if the controller 452 predicts that the vehicle speedwill increase based on a type of road (e.g., highway), trafficconditions, road conditions, and/or amount of battery/gasolineremaining, the controller may preemptively precool the enclosure 400 byincreasing the rotation speed of the fan 444 or increasing the amount ofair entering the AC vent or cabin vent 446.

The controller 452 may further monitor a dampness of the moistureabsorbent material 458 to determine when it should be replaced.

Optionally, the enclosure 400 also comprises a filter 460, or one ormore filters 460, to filter debris. In one embodiment, the filter 460 isa HEPA filter. The one or more filters 460 may be disposed on an upperbase plate of the frame 334, a lower base plate of the frame 434, or theframe 434. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more filters 460may be disposed at an inlet of the first vent 454. The activity of thefilter 460 may be controlled by the controller 452. For example, if adetected level of debris is high, the controller 452 may increase anactivity level of the filter 460 (e.g. a heavy-duty mode). In contrast,if a detected level of debris is low, the controller 452 may decrease anactivity level of the filter 460 (e.g. a light-duty mode). The filter460 may further be adjusted to filter out particles of specific rangesof sizes (e.g., by the controller 452). The controller 452 may furthermonitor a condition of the filter 460 to determine when it should bereplaced.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an enclosure 500 for a sensor system(e.g. sensor system 180), according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In some embodiments, features of the sensor system 180 ofFIG. 1P can be implemented as part of the enclosure 500 of FIG. 5 . Thesensor system may be configured to determine a parameter of theenclosure 500 or the vehicle (e.g., vehicle 100). For example, thecontroller 196 can be implemented as part of the enclosure 500 of FIG. 5. FIG. 5 may include a cover 562 to encase a sensor system, which mayinclude LiDAR sensor 530 and cameras 532. For example, the cover 562 maybe detachable or removable to allow easy access to the sensor system. Insome embodiments, the cover 562 can rotate circularly, or in threehundred sixty degrees, relative to the sensor system about a centralvertical axis of the cover 562. In some embodiments, the cover 562 mayhave a profile or shape that has a low wind resistance or coefficient ofdrag, and thereby reducing negative impacts to fuel economy of theautonomous vehicle. For example, the cover 562 may have a smooth surfaceso that a boundary layer formed between the air and the cover 562 wouldbe laminar rather than turbulent. For example, the cover 562 may have asleek angular profile. In some embodiments, the outer contour of thecover 562 can have multiple distinct sections (e.g., portions, regions,etc.) with different shapes. For example, a top portion of the cover 562may have a circular dome shape with a first diameter measured at a baseof the top portion and may encase the LiDAR sensor 530 of the autonomousvehicle. A middle portion of the cover 562 directly below the topportion may have a trapezoidal or truncated cone shape with a seconddiameter measured at a base on the middle portion, and the seconddiameter may be larger than the first diameter. A lower portion of thecover 562 directly below the middle portion may have a trapezoidal ortruncated cone shape with a third diameter measured at a base on thelower portion. The third diameter may be larger than the seconddiameter. In other embodiments, the cover 562 may be entirely comprisedof a single shape, such as a circular dome shape, a trapezoidal ortruncated cone shape.

The cover 562 may be made from any suitable material that allows the oneor more sensors of the enclosure 500 to properly function whileshielding the one or more sensors from environmental elements (e.g.,rain, snow, moisture, wind, dust, radiation, oxidation, etc.). Further,the suitable material must be transparent to wavelengths of light orelectro-magnetic waves receptive to the LiDAR sensor 530 and theplurality of cameras 532. For example, for the LiDAR sensor 530 toproperly operate, the cover 562 must allow laser pulses emitted from theLiDAR sensor 530 to pass through the cover 562 to reach a target andthen reflect back through the cover 562 and back to the LiDAR sensor530. Similarly, for the plurality of cameras 532 to properly operate,the cover 562 must allow visible light to enter. In addition to beingtransparent to wavelengths of light, the suitable material must also beable to withstand potential impacts from roadside debris without causingdamages to the LiDAR sensor 530 or the plurality of cameras 532. In animplementation, the cover 562 can be made of acrylic glass (e.g., Cylux,Plexiglas, Acrylite, Lucite, Perspex, etc.). In another implementation,the cover 562 can be made of strengthen glass (e.g., Coring® Gorilla®glass). In yet another implementation, the cover 362 can be made oflaminated safety glass held in place by layers of polyvinyl butyral(PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or other similar chemicalcompounds. Many implementations are possible and contemplated.

In some embodiments, the cover 562 can be tinted with a thin-film neuralfilter to reduce transmittance of light entering the cover 562. Forexample, in an embodiment, a lower portion of the cover 562 can beselectively tinted with the thin-film neutral filter to reduce anintensity of visible light seen by the plurality of cameras 532. In thisexample, transmittance of laser pulses emitted from the LiDAR sensor 530is not be affected by the tint because only the lower portion of thecover 542 is tinted. In another embodiment, the lower portion of thecover 562 can be tinted with a thin-film graduated neural filter inwhich the transmittance of visible light can vary along an axis. In yetanother embodiment, the whole cover 562 can be treated or coated with areflective coating such that the components of the enclosure 500 is notvisible from an outside vantage point while still being transparent towavelengths of light receptive to the LiDAR sensor 530 and the pluralityof cameras 532. Many variations, such as adding a polarization layer oran anti-reflective layer, are possible and contemplated.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 500 may comprise a frame 534, a ring536, and a plurality of anchoring posts 538. The frame 534 providesmechanical support for the LiDAR sensor 530 and the plurality of cameras532. The ring 536 provides mounting points for the cover 562 such thatthe cover 562 encases and protects the sensor system from environmentalelements. The plurality of anchoring posts 538 provides mechanicalcouplings to secure or mount the enclosure 500 to the autonomousvehicle.

In some embodiments, the frame 534 may have two base plates held inplace by struts 540. An upper base plate of the frame 534 may provide amounting surface for the LiDAR sensor 530 while a lower base plate ofthe frame 534 may provide a mounting surface for the plurality ofcameras 532. In general, any number of LiDAR sensors 530 and cameras 532may be mounted to the frame 534. The frame 534 is not limited to havingone LiDAR sensor and six cameras as shown in FIG. 5 . For example, in anembodiment, the frame 534 can have more than two base plates held inplace by the struts 540. In this example, the frame 534 may have threebase plates with upper two base plates reserved for two LiDAR sensors530 and a lower base plate for six cameras 532. In another embodiment,the lower base plate can have more than six cameras 532. For instance,there can be three cameras pointed in a forward direction of anautonomous vehicle, two cameras pointed to in a right and a leftdirection of the autonomous vehicle, and two cameras pointed in areverse direction of the autonomous vehicle. Many variations arepossible.

The frame 534 may include a temperature sensor 542, a fan 544, an airconditioning (AC) vent or cabin vent 546, and a pressure sensor 555. Thetemperature sensor 542 can be configured to measure an interiortemperature of the enclosure 500. In general, the temperature sensor 542can be placed anywhere on the frame 534 that is representative of theenclosure temperature. In a typical implementation, the temperaturesensor 542 is placed in a region in which heat generated by the LiDARsensor 530 and the plurality of cameras 532 are most localized. In theexample of FIG. 5 , the temperature sensor 542 is placed on the lowerbase plate of the frame 534, right behind the three front cameras. Thefan 544 can be configured to draw an inlet airflow from an externalsource. The fan 544, in various implementations, works in conjunctionwith the temperature sensor 542 to maintain a steady temperaturecondition inside the enclosure 500. The fan 544 can vary its rotationspeed depending on the enclosure temperature. For example, when theenclosure temperature is high, as measured by the temperature sensor542, the fan 544 may increase its rotation speed to draw additionalvolume of air to lower the temperature of the enclosure 500 and thuscooling the sensors. Similarly, when the temperature of the enclosure500 is low, the fan 544 does not need to operate as fast. The fan 544may be located centrally on the lower base plate of the frame 534. TheAC vent or cabin vent 546 may be a duct, tube, or a conduit that conveyscooling air into the enclosure 500. In an embodiment, the AC vent orcabin vent 546 may be connected to a cabin of the autonomous vehicle. Inanother embodiment, the AC vent or cabin vent 546 may be connected to aseparate air conditioner unit that provides cooling air separate fromthe cabin of the autonomous vehicle. The AC vent or cabin vent 546 maybe directly connected to the enclosure 500 at a surface of the frame534. The pressure sensor 555 may be configured to determine an internalair pressure of the enclosure 500.

In some embodiments, the frame 534 can also include a powertrain. Thepowertrain is an electric motor coupled to a drivetrain comprising oneor more gears. The powertrain can rotate the ring 536 clockwise orcounter-clockwise. In various embodiments, the electric motor can be adirect current brush or brushless motor, or an alternate currentsynchronous or asynchronous motor. Many variations are possible. Invarious embodiments, the one or more gears of the drivetrain can beconfigured to have various gear ratios designed to provide variousamounts of torque delivery and rotational speed.

In general, the frame 534 can be made from any suitable materials thatcan withstand extreme temperature swings and weather variousenvironmental conditions (e.g., rain, snow, corrosion, oxidation, etc.).The frame 534 can be fabricated using various metal alloys (e.g.,aluminum alloys, steel alloys, etc.). The frame 534 can also befabricated with three dimensional printers using thermoplastics (e.g.,polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, high impactpolystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.). Similarly, the air duct 546can be made from rigid materials (e.g., hard plastics, polyurethane,metal alloys, etc.) or semi-rigid materials (e.g., rubber, silicone,etc.). Many variations are possible.

The ring 536 can provide mounting points for the cover 362 to encase theinternal structure 304 of the enclosure 500. In the example of FIG. 5 ,the ring 536 has an outer portion that includes attaching points 548through which the cover 362 can be attached and secured. The ring 536also has an inner portion that comprises gear teeth 550 (or cogs) suchthat when the gear teeth 550 is driven by the powertrain of the frame534, the whole ring 536 rotates as a result.

Similar to the frame 534, the ring 536 can be made from any suitablematerial that can withstand extreme temperature swings and weathervarious environmental conditions. However, in most implementations, thesuitable material for the ring 536 must be somewhat more durable thanthe material used for the frame 534. This is because the gear teeth 550of the ring 536 are subject to more wear and tear from being coupled tothe powertrain of the frame 534. The ring 536 can be fabricated usingvarious metal alloys (e.g., carbon steel, alloy steel, etc.). The ring536 can also be fabricated with three dimensional printers usingthermoplastics (e.g., polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,polyamide, high impact polystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.).

The plurality of the anchoring posts 538 can provide mechanicalcouplings to secure or mount the enclosure 500 to an autonomous vehicle.In general, any number of anchoring posts 538 may be used. In theexample of FIG. 5 , the enclosure 500 is shown with eight anchoringposts: four anchoring posts to secure the frame 534 to the autonomousvehicle and four anchoring posts to secure the ring 536 to theautonomous vehicle. Similar to the frame 534 and the ring 536, theplurality of the anchoring posts 538 can be made from any suitablematerials and fabricated using metal alloys (e.g., carbon steel, alloysteel, etc.) or three dimensional printed with thermoplastics (e.g.,polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyamide, high impactpolystyrene, thermoplastic elastomer, etc.).

A first vent 554 and/or a second vent 556 may be disposed on the cover562. For example, the first vent 554 may be disposed on near the frame544 or between the upper base plate of the frame 534 and the lower baseplate of the frame 534. For example, the second vent 556 may be disposedat or near the top of the cover 562. The first vent 554 allows air fromoutside to flow into the enclosure 500, and may be used to preventhumidification and/or overheating. The second vent 556 allows warm/hotair to be expelled from the enclosure 500. The first vent 554 and/or thesecond vent 556 may be conducive to laminar flow of air. For example, aboundary layer created by the air entering and the first vent 554 wouldbe laminar so that the boundary layer does not create turbulent flow.The first vent 554 and/or the second vent 556 may comprise a smoothorifice, and may be shaped to have a circular or elliptical crosssection. The first vent 554 and/or the second vent 556 may be shaped sothat the Reynolds number of air flowing through the second vent 456 maybe at most 2000, to create laminar flow. In some embodiments, theReynolds number of air flowing through the first vent 554 and/or thesecond vent 556 may be at most 3000, or at most 1000.

The second vent 556 may further comprise a layer 560 at or near anoutlet of the second vent 556. The layer 560 may slide over and coverthe second vent 556 completely or partially (e.g., to prevent moisturefrom seeping in), or leave the second vent 556 completely open, toadjust or control a size of an opening of the second vent 556. The layer560 may slide over the outlet of the second vent 556 to regulate a size(e.g. surface area) of the second vent 556 that is exposed to anoutside. For example, the layer 560 may expose the second vent 556 moreif the temperature of the enclosure 500 relative to an exteriortemperature is high, a speed of the vehicle is high, and/or an airquality (e.g., measured by an air quality index (AQI)) is high. Incontrast, the layer 560 may be positioned to cover the second vent 556more fully if the temperature of the enclosure 500 relative to anexterior temperature is low, a speed of the vehicle is low, and/or anair quality is low. The layer 560 may be positioned exterior to thecover 562 or interior to the cover 562. The layer 560 may comprise asame material as the cover 562, or a different material. For example,the layer 560 may be thinner and more flexible than the material of thecover 562. The layer 560 may be impermeable to moisture and permeable toair. A position of the layer 560 with respect to the second vent 556 maybe regulated by a controller 552. The layer 560 may be curved in a sameor similar manner as the enclosure 500 to conform to a shape of theenclosure 500. A similar layer may also be positioned at or near aninlet of the first vent 554, to adjust or control a size of an openingof the first vent 554. A similar layer may also be positioned at or nearan inlet of the AC vent or cabin vent 546, and such layer may be flatinstead of curved, to adjust or control a size of an opening of the ACvent or cabin vent 546.

The controller 552 may be disposed on the frame 534, the upper baseplate of the frame 534, or the lower base plate of the frame 534. Thecontroller 552 may control the operations of one of more of the LiDARsensor 530, the cameras 532, the temperature sensor 542, the fan 544,the AC vent or cabin vent 546, the first vent 554, and/or the secondvent 556.

For example, the controller 552 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan544 based on a speed of the vehicle, a temperature measured by thetemperature sensor 542, an external temperature, or a difference betweenthe temperature measured by the temperature sensor 542 and the externaltemperature, and operate the fan 544 at the regulated rotation speed.For example, the controller 552 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan544 based on any combination of the aforementioned factors. As anexample, the controller 552 may regulate a rotation speed of the fan 544based on whether the access from the enclosure 500 to the AC vent orcabin vent 546 is turned on. As an example, the controller 552 mayregulate a rotation speed of the fan 544 based on whether the accessfrom the enclosure 500 to the AC vent or cabin vent 546 is turned on.For example, the controller 552 may increase or decrease a rotationspeed of the fan 544 if the access from the enclosure 500 to the AC ventor cabin vent 546 is turned off (e.g., no air flows from the AC vent orcabin vent 546 to the enclosure 500). For example, the controller 552may increase or decrease a rotation speed of the fan 544 if the accessfrom the enclosure 500 if the access from the enclosure 500 to the ACvent or cabin vent 546 is turned on. For example, the controller 552 mayregulate a rotation speed of the fan 544 based on a level of windexternal to the enclosure 500. For example, the level of wind may bedetermined by an amount of airflow entering through the first vent 554.For example, if enough air is entering through the first vent 554 toprovide cooling and/or ventilation, the controller 552 may reduce therotation speed of the fan 544 or shut off the fan 544. Furthermore, thecontroller 552 may, in addition to, or instead of, regulating therotation speed of the fan 544, regulate an amount of air entering fromthe AC vent or cabin vent 546, for example, depending or based on howmuch cooling is required for one or more of the sensors of the enclosure500. For example, the controller 552 may regulate the amount of airentering into the AC vent or cabin vent 546 based on one or more of, orany combination of, the speed of the autonomous vehicle, the temperaturemeasured by the temperature sensor 542, the external temperature, thedifference between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor542 and the external temperature, or based on an internal temperature ofthe LiDAR sensor 530 or the cameras 532 (which may indicate how heavilythe LiDAR sensor 530 or the cameras 532 are being used). For example,the controller 552 may regulate the amount of air entering into the ACvent or cabin vent 546 by adjusting a size of an opening of the AC ventor cabin vent 546 (e.g., a radius of the opening of the AC vent or cabinvent 546, or by regulating an amount of air extracted into the AC ventor cabin vent 546. In another embodiment, the controller 552 mayregulate an amount of air entering from the AC vent or cabin vent 546based on the rotation speed of the fan 544. For example, in oneembodiment, if the rotation speed of the fan 544 is increased, thecontroller 552 may reduce the amount of air entering into the AC vent orcabin vent 546 because adequate cooling of the enclosure 500 may alreadybe provided by the fan 544. In one embodiment, the controller 552 mayselect between using the fan 544 and the AC vent or cabin vent 546 tocool the enclosure 500. For example, the controller 552 may selectbetween using the fan 544 and the AC vent or cabin vent 546 to cool theenclosure 500 based on which method is more energy efficient. In oneembodiment, the controller 552 may select using the fan 544 when anamount of cooling to be provided (e.g. which may correspond to thetemperature measured by temperature sensor 542) is lower than athreshold (e.g., first threshold) and using the AC vent or cabin vent546 when the amount of cooling to be provided is greater than thethreshold (e.g., first threshold). On the other hand, if the operationof the fan 544 at high rotation speed itself generates heat internallyfor the fan 544, the controller 552 may increase the amount of airentering into the AC vent or cabin vent 546 to provide cooling for thefan 544. Thus, the controller 552 may increase the amount of airentering into the AC vent or cabin vent 546 as the rotation speed of thefan 544 is increased.

The controller 552 may further be configured to turn on or turn offaccess from the AC vent or cabin vent 546 to the enclosure 500 based onthe temperature of the enclosure 500 measured by the temperature sensor542 or the internal air pressure of the enclosure 500 measured by thepressure sensor 555. For example, an increase in the internaltemperature of the enclosure 500 may result in changes in internal airpressure of a portion of the enclosure 500 because warmer air rises. Tocompensate for changes in the temperature and/or pressure inside theenclosure 500, the AC vent or cabin vent 546 may be turned on to allowAC air or cabin air to flow into the AC vent or cabin vent 546.Furthermore, the controller 552 may be configured to increase ordecrease an amount of AC air or cabin air going into the enclosure 500,for example, by increasing or decreasing a size of the AC vent or cabinvent 546. In another embodiment, the controller 552 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air, for example,based on a gradient of temperature inside the enclosure 500 or agradient of pressure inside the enclosure 500. As an example, if agradient of temperature inside the enclosure 500 exceeds a threshold(e.g., second threshold), the controller 552 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air. As an example, ifa gradient of pressure inside the enclosure 500 exceeds a threshold(e.g., third threshold), the controller 552 may be configured toincrease or decrease an amount of AC air or cabin air.

The controller 552 may further adjust a rotation speed of the fan 544,and/or an amount of air entering the AC vent or cabin vent 546, based onone or any combination of predicted future conditions, such asanticipated speed, anticipated external temperature, or anticipatedinternal temperature of the enclosure 500. For example, if thecontroller 552 predicts, based on a navigation route selected, orweather forecast, that the temperature at a destination is high, thecontroller may preemptively precool the enclosure 500 by increasing therotation speed of the fan 544 or increasing the amount of air enteringthe AC vent or cabin vent 546. As another example, if the controller 552predicts that the LiDAR sensor 530 or the cameras 532 will be heavilyused in a near future, the controller may preemptively precool theenclosure 500 by increasing the rotation speed of the fan 544 orincreasing the amount of air entering the AC vent or cabin vent 546. Asanother example, if the controller 552 predicts that the vehicle speedwill increase based on a type of road (e.g., highway), trafficconditions, road conditions, and/or amount of battery/gasolineremaining, the controller may preemptively precool the enclosure 500 byincreasing the rotation speed of the fan 544 or increasing the amount ofair entering the AC vent or cabin vent 546.

The controller 552 may further adjust a size of an inlet of the firstvent 554, and/or an outlet of the second vent 556. For example, thecontroller 552 may be programmed or configured to slide the layer 560over the outlet of the second vent 556 to adjust how much surface areaof the second vent 556 is exposed to outside. For example, thecontroller 552 may slide the layer 560 completely over the outlet of thesecond vent 556 when it is raining or snowing. In such conditions, thecontroller 552 may operate the AC vent or cabin vent 546 to providecooling and/or ventilation instead. As another example, the controller552 may regulate the size of the outlet of the second vent based on oneor more of, or any combination of, the speed of the vehicle, thetemperature measured by the temperature sensor 542, the externaltemperature, the difference between the temperature measured by thetemperature sensor 542 and the external temperature, an internaltemperature of the LiDAR sensor 530 or the cameras 532, the internal airpressure of the enclosure 550, a difference between the internal airpressure of the enclosure 550 and an air pressure of a cabin (e.g.,connected to the AC vent or cabin vent 546), and an air quality of theairflow entering the enclosure 550 through the first vent 554. Forexample, the controller 552 may expose the first vent 554 and/or secondvent 556 more without covering it with the layer 560 if the temperatureof the enclosure 500 relative to an exterior temperature is high, aspeed of the vehicle is high, and/or an air quality (e.g., measured byan air quality index (AQI)) determined by an air quality sensor (e.g.,air quality sensor 115, 125) is high. In contrast, the controller 552may slide the layer 560 to cover the first vent 554 and/or the secondvent 556 more fully if the temperature of the enclosure 500 relative toan exterior temperature is low, a speed of the vehicle is low, and/or anair quality is low. Therefore, the controller 552 may adjust an amountof airflow through the first vent 554 and/or the second vent 556 basedon the air quality. The controller 552 may perform same or similaroperations with a layer at the first vent 554 and/or a layer at the ACvent or cabin vent 546.

The controller 552 may further monitor a dampness of the moistureabsorbent material 558 to determine when it should be replaced.

Optionally, the enclosure 500 also comprises a filter 560 to filterdebris. In one embodiment, the filter 560 is a HEPA filter. Optionally,the enclosure 500 also comprises a filter 560, or one or more filters560, to filter debris. In one embodiment, the filter 560 is a HEPAfilter. The one or more filters 560 may be disposed on an upper baseplate of the frame 534, a lower base plate of the frame 534, or theframe 534. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more filters 560may be disposed at an inlet of the first vent 554. For example, if adetected level of debris is high, the controller 552 may increase anactivity level of the filter 560 (e.g. a heavy-duty mode). In contrast,if a detected level of debris is low, the controller 552 may decrease anactivity level of the filter 560 (e.g. a light-duty mode). The filter560 may further be adjusted to filter out particles of specific rangesof sizes (e.g., by the controller 552). The controller 552 may furthermonitor a condition of the filter 560 (e.g., concentration ofparticulates) to determine when it should be replaced.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example vehicle 600 (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The example vehicle 600 may be implemented with any of theembodiments described previously, for example, FIGS. 1P and 2-5 . Theexample vehicle 600 is shown with an enclosure 602 (e.g., to house oneor more sensors), four radar systems 604, and one or more adjustabledeflector(s) 606. The adjustable deflector(s) 606 may be controlled(e.g., by a controller 196, 252, 352, 452, 552 in the enclosure 602, asdescribed in FIG. 1P, 2-5 ). In FIG. 6B, the adjustable deflector(s) 606is/are shown to be retracted, or shortened in length, compared to theadjustable deflector(s) 606 in FIG. 6A. As an example, the adjustabledeflector(s) 606 may be retractable. As an example, the adjustabledeflector(s) 606 may be extended and/or retracted, for example, by acontroller. The adjustable deflector(s) 606 may be adjusted or actuatedin length, for example, based on a speed of the vehicle 600, an internaltemperature of the enclosure 602, an external temperature, a differencebetween the internal temperature of the enclosure 602 and the externaltemperature, and/or a wind speed. For example, the controller maycontrol the adjustable deflector(s) 606 to be shorter if the internaltemperature decreases, and/or if the difference between the internaltemperature and the external temperature decreases, and vice versa. Forexample, the controller may control the adjustable deflector(s) 606 tobe shorter if the wind speed decreases and vice versa. The controllermay control an amount of change in the length of the adjustabledeflector(s) 606 to be constant for a given incremental change indifference between the internal temperature of the enclosure 602 and theexternal temperature. The controller may control an amount of change inthe length of the adjustable deflector(s) 606 to be constant for a givenincremental change in the internal temperature of the enclosure 602. Thecontroller may control an amount of change in the length of theadjustable deflector(s) 606 to be constant for a given incrementalchange in the change in the wind speed. As an example, for every changeof y degrees in temperature difference (Celsius) between the internaltemperature of the enclosure 602 and the external temperature, thecontroller may change the length of the adjustable deflector(s) 606 by xmeters. In some alternate embodiments, the controller may control anamount of change in the length of the adjustable deflector(s) 606 to benonconstant or variable for a given incremental change in differencebetween the internal temperature of the enclosure 602 and the externaltemperature. For example, as the incremental change in differencebetween the internal temperature of the enclosure 602 and the externaltemperature increases, for more extreme temperature differences, thecontroller may increase a rate of the change of length of the adjustabledeflector(s) 606 for every change of temperature difference. Forexample, if the difference between the internal temperature of theenclosure 602 and the external temperature is ten degrees, thecontroller may control the rate of the change of length of theadjustable deflector(s) 606 to be x meters per degree difference. If thedifference between the internal temperature of the enclosure 602 and theexternal temperature is fifty degrees, the controller may control therate of the change of length of the adjustable deflector(s) 606 to be 2xmeters per degree difference, or z meters per degree difference, whereinz is greater than x. Similarly, the controller may control the rate ofchange of the length of the adjustable deflector(s) 606 for a givenincremental change in the internal temperature of the enclosure 602,and/or for a given change in wind speed, to be nonconstant and/orvariable, based on the internal temperature of the enclosure 602 and/orthe wind speed, respectively. The adjustable deflector(s) 606 may beadjusted or actuated in length, for example, based on a detected airquality (e.g., measured by an air quality index (AQI)). For example, theadjustable deflector(s) 606 may be increased in length if the detectedair quality is high, for example, if the AQI is low, and vice versa. Thecontroller may be configured to change the length of one of theadjustable deflector(s) 606 independent of the other adjustabledeflector(s), and/or change the length(s) all of the adjustabledeflector(s) 606 in a coordinated fashion, such as, shortening orlengthening all of the adjustable deflector(s) 606 by a same amount, orby a proportional amount. As another example, the controller may adjustthe length of one or more of the adjustable deflector(s) 606 based on apredicted future speed of the vehicle, a predicted external temperatureat a destination, a predicted future internal temperature of theenclosure, and/or a predicted future AQI. For example the controller mayincrease the length of one or more of the adjustable deflector(s) 606 ifthe predicted future speed of the vehicle 600 is higher than a currentspeed of the vehicle 600, if the predicted external temperature at adestination is higher than a current temperature at the destination, andif the predicted future internal temperature of the enclosure 602 ishigher than a current internal temperature of the enclosure 602. Asanother example, the controller may adjust both the length and a heightof the adjustable deflector(s) 606 (as described in the previous FIGS).As an example, the controller may increase the length while decreasingthe height of the adjustable deflector(s) 606, and vice versa. Asanother example, the controller may increase the length while increasingthe height of the adjustable deflector(s) 606, and vice versa. Thecontroller may adjust the length of the adjustable deflector(s) 606depending on whether access from an AC vent (e.g., AC vent 246, 346,446, 546) is opened to the enclosure 602. For example, the controllermay increase the length of the adjustable deflector(s) 606 if accessfrom the AC vent is turned off to the enclosure 602, and vice versa.

FIG. 6C illustrates an example vehicle 610 (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The example vehicle 610 may be implemented with any of theembodiments described previously, for example, FIGS. 1P and 2-5 . Theexample vehicle 610 is shown with an enclosure 612 (e.g., to house oneor more sensors), four radar systems 614, and one or more adjustabledeflector(s) 616. The adjustable deflector(s) 616 may be controlled(e.g., by a controller 196, 252, 352, 452, 552 in the enclosure 612, asdescribed in FIG. 1P, 2-5 ). In FIG. 6D, the adjustable deflector(s) 616is shown to be rotated, or pivoted, about a point, relative to theadjustable deflector(s) 616 of FIG. 6C. The adjustable deflector(s) 616may rotationally actuate, for example, be rotated or pivoted about apoint based on a wind direction and a direction of the vehicle 610. Forexample, the controller may rotated or pivot at least one of theadjustable deflector(s) 616 about a point to align at the adjustabledeflector(s) 616 with the direction of the wind, relative to thedirection of the vehicle 610. Thus, at least one of the adjustabledeflector(s) 616 may be facing the direction of the wind. At least oneof the adjustable deflector(s) 616 may be rotated dynamically tocontinuously face the direction of the wind as the direction of thevehicle 610 changes and/or as the direction of the wind changes. As anexample, if a cross wind is present, at least one of the adjustabledeflector(s) 616 may be rotated dynamically to face a direction of thecross wind. Another one of the adjustable deflector(s) may face thedirection of the wind, if the cross wind has a different direction fromthe direction of the wind. The controller may be configured torotationally pivot one of the adjustable deflector(s) 616 independent ofthe other adjustable deflector(s), and/or rotationally pivot all of theadjustable deflector(s) 616 in a coordinated fashion, such as, pivotingall of the adjustable deflector(s) 616 in a same direction or in anopposite direction. In some embodiments, the controller may rotate theat least one of the adjustable deflector(s) 616 about a point and adjusta length of the at least one of the adjustable deflector(s) 616 (asdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B), simultaneously. Insome embodiments, the controller may also simultaneously adjust a heightof the at least one of the adjustable deflector(s) 616 as described inthe previous FIGS. As another example, the controller may rotationallyactuate one or more of the adjustable deflector(s) 616 based on apredicted future speed of the vehicle, a predicted external temperatureat a destination, a predicted future internal temperature of theenclosure, a predicted future wind speed or a predicted future winddirection. For example the controller may rotationally actuate one ormore of the adjustable deflector(s) 616 if the predicted future winddirection changes.

FIG. 6E illustrates an example vehicle 620 (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The example vehicle 620 may be implemented with any of theembodiments described previously, for example, FIGS. 1P and 2-5 . Theexample vehicle 620 is shown with an enclosure 622 (e.g., to house oneor more sensors), four radar systems 624, and one or more adjustabledeflector(s) 626. The adjustable deflector(s) 626 may be controlled(e.g., by a controller 196, 252, 352, 452, 552 in the enclosure 622, asdescribed in FIG. 1P, 2-5 ). In FIG. 6F, the adjustable deflector(s) 626is/are shown to changed in shape, relative to the adjustabledeflector(s) 626 of FIG. 6E. For example, the adjustable deflector(s)626 may be changed from a curved shape to a straight shape, and viceversa. As another example, the adjustable deflector(s) 626 may bechanged from a bent shape to a straight shape or a curved shape, andvice versa. The adjustable deflector(s) 626 may be changed in shape, forexample, based on a speed of the vehicle 620, an internal temperature ofthe enclosure 622, an external temperature, a difference between theinternal temperature of the enclosure 622 and the external temperature,a wind speed, and/or a wind direction. For example, the adjustabledeflector(s) 626 may be changed from a straight shape to a curved shapeif the wind is swirling, and/or if a cross wind is detected. As anotherexample, the adjustable deflector(s) 626 may be changed from a straightshape to a curved shape if a route traveled is especially curvy. Asanother example, the controller may change the shape of one or more ofthe adjustable deflector(s) 626 based on a predicted future speed of thevehicle 620, a predicted future internal temperature of the enclosure622, an predicted future external temperature at a destination, apredicted future difference between the internal temperature of theenclosure 622 and the external temperature, a predicted future windspeed, and/or a predicted future wind direction. For example thecontroller may change the shape of one or more of the adjustabledeflector(s) 616 from a straight to a curved shape if the predictedfuture wind direction changes, and/or if the wind is predicted to changefrom steady to swirling.

FIG. 6G illustrates an example vehicle 630 (e.g., autonomous vehicle),comprising a heat exchange system (e.g., including an adjustabledeflector), in a top view, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The example vehicle 630 may be implemented with any of theembodiments described previously, for example, FIGS. 1P and 2-5 . Theexample vehicle 630 is shown with an enclosure 632 (e.g., to house oneor more sensors), four radar systems 634, and one or more adjustabledeflector(s) 636. The adjustable deflector(s) 636 may be controlled(e.g., by a controller 196, 252, 352, 452, 552 in the enclosure 622, asdescribed in FIG. 1P, 2-5 ). In FIG. 6H, the adjustable deflector(s) 636is/are shown to be changed in slope, relative to the adjustabledeflector(s) 636 of FIG. 6G. For example, the adjustable deflector(s)636 may be changed to be steeper (be increased in slope), based on anamount of moisture detected, and/or based on a terrain of a road onwhich the vehicle 630 is travelling. For example, the adjustabledeflector(s) 636 may be changed to be steeper or less steep if the roadon which the vehicle 630 is travelling becomes steeper. As anotherexample, the adjustable deflector(s) 636 may be changed to be steeper ifan amount of moisture detected (e.g., at moisture absorbent material558) increases, so that any moisture will not accumulate on theadjustable deflector(s) 636 and will fall off the adjustabledeflector(s) 636 due to gravity. For example, the controller maydetermine an amount of change in the slope of the adjustabledeflector(s) 636 based on the amount of moisture detected. For example,the greater the amount of moisture detected, the larger the change inslope may be for the adjustable deflector(s) 636. The amount of changein slope may be linearly proportional to the amount of increase in themoisture detected. As another example, the adjustable deflector(s) 636may be changed to be steeper or less steep if a predicted future routeon which the vehicle 630 is travelling is steeper than a current routeon which the vehicle 630 is travelling. As another example, theadjustable deflector(s) 636 may be changed in slope, based on a currentor predicted future speed of the vehicle 630, a current or predictedfuture internal temperature of the enclosure 632, a current or predictedfuture external temperature at a destination, a current or predictedfuture difference between the internal temperature of the enclosure 632and the external temperature, a current or predicted future wind speed,and/or a current or predicted future wind direction. The controller mayadjust the slope of the adjustable deflector(s) 636 in conjunction, orsimultaneously with, any or all of the other features described in FIGS.6A-6F. For example, the controller may adjust the slope of theadjustable deflector(s) 636 and linearly actuate the adjustabledeflector(s) 636 simultaneously. For example, as the controllerincreases the slope of the adjustable deflector(s) 636, the controllermay decrease a length of the adjustable deflector(s) 636). As anexample, the controller may increase the slope and decrease the lengthof the adjustable deflector(s) 636 to maintain a constant surface areaof the adjustable deflector(s) 636.

In the aforementioned examples described in FIGS. 6A-6H, at least someof the adjustable deflector(s) (e.g., 606, 616, 626, 636) may be in aninactive mode. For example, the controller may determine which one(s) ofthe adjustable deflector(s) are in an active mode, and which one(s) ofthe adjustable deflector(s) are in an inactive mode, for example, basedon a wind speed and/or a wind direction at a location of the adjustabledeflector(s). For example, the controller may select an adjustabledeflector that is most aligned with the wind, and/or at which the windspeed is highest, to be in an active mode while keeping an otheradjustable deflector in an inactive mode. If an adjustable deflector isin an inactive mode, it may be kept stationary, or it may be leftunexposed (e.g., it may be hidden in a groove such as groove 178 so thatit is not above a plane of a rooftop of a vehicle). As another example,the controller may increase the length and/or the height of one of theadjustable deflector(s), while controlling an other of the adjustabledeflector(s) to be in the inactive mode, for example, by hiding theother of the adjustable deflector(s) in the groove so it is not exposedto the air. For example, the controller may increase the length and/orthe height of one of the adjustable deflector(s) so that its surfacearea exposed to the air is doubled, while hiding an other of theadjustable deflector(s) in the groove, such that a total exposed surfacearea of all of the deflectors is maintained constant.

FIG. 6I illustrates an exemplary diagram of inputs and outputs to acontroller of an enclosure according to some embodiments. For example,inputs from an air quality sensor 653 (e.g., air quality sensor 115,125), a temperature sensor 654 (e.g., temperature sensor 242, 342, 442,or 542), a pressure sensor 655 (e.g., pressure sensor 195, 255, 355,455, 555), an exterior temperature sensor 656, a wind speed sensor 657,a speed sensor 658 that senses a vehicle speed, and/or a wind directionsensor 659, which may be a same or different sensor from the wind speedsensor 657, may be provided to a controller 652 (e.g., which may beimplemented as controller 196, 252, 352, 452, 552). The controller 652may, based on the inputs, regulate a length of a deflector 660 (e.g.,which may be implemented as deflector 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166, 176,606), a shape of the deflector 662 (e.g., which may be implemented asdeflector 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166, 176, 626), a slope of thedeflector 664 (e.g., which may be implemented as deflector 116, 126,136, 146, 156, 166, 176, 636), a rotation angle of the deflector 666(e.g., which may be implemented as deflector 116, 126, 136, 146, 156,166, 176, 616), and/or a mode of the deflector 668 (e.g., which may beimplemented as deflector 116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166, 176, 606, 616,626, 636). The controller 652 may, based on the inputs, regulate a sizeof a vent 670 (e.g., first vent 354, 454, 554, second vent 356, 456,556), and based on the size of the vent 670, regulate a size of a cabinvent 672 (e.g., cabin vent 194, 246, 346, 446, 546). The controller 652may, based on the size of the cabin vent 672, regulate a rotation speedof a fan 674 (e.g., fan 244, 344, 444, or 544).

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a heat exchange method according tosome embodiments. In this and other flowcharts, the flowchart 700illustrates by way of example a sequence of steps. It should beunderstood the steps may be reorganized for parallel execution, orreordered, as applicable. Moreover, some steps that could have beenincluded may have been removed to avoid providing too much informationfor the sake of clarity and some steps that were included could beremoved, but may have been included for the sake of illustrativeclarity. The description from other FIGS. may also be applicable to FIG.7 .

In step 702, an airflow (e.g., wind, while a vehicle is driving) may bechanneled through an adjustable deflector (e.g., adjustable deflector116, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166, 176, 606, 616, 626, 636) connected to anenclosure into the enclosure (e.g., enclosure 200, 300, 400, 500, 602,612, 622, 632). In step 704, the channeled airflow may be directed intoa vent (e.g., vent 119, 129) of the enclosure to cool the enclosure. Instep 706, the adjustable deflector may be adjusted, for example, by acontroller (e.g., controller 196, 252, 352, 452, 552).

Hardware Implementation

The techniques described herein are implemented by one or morespecial-purpose computing devices. The special-purpose computing devicesmay be hard-wired to perform the techniques, or may include circuitry ordigital electronic devices such as one or more application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)that are persistently programmed to perform the techniques, or mayinclude one or more hardware processors programmed to perform thetechniques pursuant to program instructions in firmware, memory, otherstorage, or a combination. Such special-purpose computing devices mayalso combine custom hard-wired logic, ASICs, or FPGAs with customprogramming to accomplish the techniques. The special-purpose computingdevices may be desktop computer systems, server computer systems,portable computer systems, handheld devices, networking devices or anyother device or combination of devices that incorporate hard-wiredand/or program logic to implement the techniques.

Computing device(s) are generally controlled and coordinated byoperating system software, such as iOS, Android, Chrome OS, Windows XP,Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Server, Windows CE, Unix,Linux, SunOS, Solaris, iOS, Blackberry OS, VxWorks, or other compatibleoperating systems. In other embodiments, the computing device may becontrolled by a proprietary operating system. Conventional operatingsystems control and schedule computer processes for execution, performmemory management, provide file system, networking, I/O services, andprovide a user interface functionality, such as a graphical userinterface (“GUI”), among other things.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram that illustrates a computer system 800 uponwhich any of the embodiments described herein may be implemented. Thecomputer system 800 includes a bus 802 or other communication mechanismfor communicating information, one or more hardware processors 804coupled with bus 802 for processing information. Hardware processor(s)804 may be, for example, one or more general purpose microprocessors.

The computer system 800 also includes a main memory 806, such as arandom access memory (RAM), cache and/or other dynamic storage devices,coupled to bus 802 for storing information and instructions to beexecuted by processor 804. Main memory 806 also may be used for storingtemporary variables or other intermediate information during executionof instructions to be executed by processor 804. Such instructions, whenstored in storage media accessible to processor 804, render computersystem 800 into a special-purpose machine that is customized to performthe operations specified in the instructions.

The computer system 800 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 808 orother static storage device coupled to bus 802 for storing staticinformation and instructions for processor 804. A storage device 810,such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or USB thumb drive (Flash drive),etc., is provided and coupled to bus 802 for storing information andinstructions.

The computer system 800 may be coupled via bus 802 to output device(s)812, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or LCD display (or touch screen),for displaying information to a computer user. Input device(s) 814,including alphanumeric and other keys, are coupled to bus 802 forcommunicating information and command selections to processor 804.Another type of user input device is cursor control 816, such as amouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating directioninformation and command selections to processor 804 and for controllingcursor movement on display 812. This input device typically has twodegrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis(e.g., y), that allows the device to specify positions in a plane. Insome embodiments, the same direction information and command selectionsas cursor control may be implemented via receiving touches on a touchscreen without a cursor.

The computing system 800 may include a user interface module toimplement a GUI that may be stored in a mass storage device asexecutable software codes that are executed by the computing device(s).This and other modules may include, by way of example, components, suchas software components, object-oriented software components, classcomponents and task components, processes, functions, attributes,procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware,microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays,and variables.

In general, the word “module,” as used herein, refers to logic embodiedin hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions,possibly having entry and exit points, written in a programminglanguage, such as, for example, Java, C or C++. A software module may becompiled and linked into an executable program, installed in a dynamiclink library, or may be written in an interpreted programming languagesuch as, for example, BASIC, Perl, or Python. It will be appreciatedthat software modules may be callable from other modules or fromthemselves, and/or may be invoked in response to detected events orinterrupts. Software modules configured for execution on computingdevices may be provided on a computer readable medium, such as a compactdisc, digital video disc, flash drive, magnetic disc, or any othertangible medium, or as a digital download (and may be originally storedin a compressed or installable format that requires installation,decompression or decryption prior to execution). Such software code maybe stored, partially or fully, on a memory device of the executingcomputing device, for execution by the computing device. Softwareinstructions may be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. It will befurther appreciated that hardware modules may be comprised of connectedlogic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and/or may be comprised ofprogrammable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors. Themodules or computing device functionality described herein arepreferably implemented as software modules, but may be represented inhardware or firmware. Generally, the modules described herein refer tological modules that may be combined with other modules or divided intosub-modules despite their physical organization or storage.

The computer system 800 may implement the techniques described hereinusing customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmwareand/or program logic which in combination with the computer systemcauses or programs computer system 800 to be a special-purpose machine.According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed bycomputer system 800 in response to processor(s) 804 executing one ormore sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 806.Such instructions may be read into main memory 806 from another storagemedium, such as storage device 810. Execution of the sequences ofinstructions contained in main memory 806 causes processor(s) 804 toperform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware instructions.

The term “non-transitory media,” and similar terms, as used hereinrefers to any media that store data and/or instructions that cause amachine to operate in a specific fashion. Such non-transitory media maycomprise non-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatile mediaincludes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device810. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 606.Common forms of non-transitory media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, hard disk, solid state drive, magnetic tape, orany other magnetic data storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical datastorage medium, any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, aPROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip orcartridge, and networked versions of the same.

Non-transitory media is distinct from but may be used in conjunctionwith transmission media. Transmission media participates in transferringinformation between non-transitory media. For example, transmissionmedia includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, includingthe wires that comprise bus 802. Transmission media can also take theform of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated duringradio-wave and infra-red data communications.

Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more sequencesof one or more instructions to processor 804 for execution. For example,the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk orsolid-state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load theinstructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over atelephone line using a modem. A modem local to computer system 800 canreceive the data on the telephone line and use an infra-red transmitterto convert the data to an infra-red signal. An infra-red detector canreceive the data carried in the infra-red signal and appropriatecircuitry can place the data on bus 802. Bus 802 carries the data tomain memory 806, from which processor 804 retrieves and executes theinstructions. The instructions received by main memory 806 may retrievesand executes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory806 may optionally be stored on storage device 810 either before orafter execution by processor 804.

The computer system 800 also includes a communication interface 818coupled to bus 802. Communication interface 818 provides a two-way datacommunication coupling to one or more network links that are connectedto one or more local networks. For example, communication interface 818may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem,satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connectionto a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example,communication interface 818 may be a local area network (LAN) card toprovide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN (or WANcomponent to communicated with a WAN). Wireless links may also beimplemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 818sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals thatcarry digital data streams representing various types of information.

A network link typically provides data communication through one or morenetworks to other data devices. For example, a network link may providea connection through local network to a host computer or to dataequipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP inturn provides data communication services through the world wide packetdata communication network now commonly referred to as the “Internet”.Local network and Internet both use electrical, electromagnetic oroptical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through thevarious networks and the signals on network link and throughcommunication interface 818, which carry the digital data to and fromcomputer system 800, are example forms of transmission media.

The computer system 800 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), network link and communicationinterface 818. In the Internet example, a server might transmit arequested code for an application program through the Internet, the ISP,the local network and the communication interface 818.

The received code may be executed by processor 804 as it is received,and/or stored in storage device 810, or other non-volatile storage forlater execution.

Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described in thepreceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automatedby, code modules executed by one or more computer systems or computerprocessors comprising computer hardware. The processes and algorithmsmay be implemented partially or wholly in application-specificcircuitry.

The various features and processes described above may be usedindependently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. Allpossible combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall withinthe scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method or processblocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processesdescribed herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, andthe blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in othersequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks or statesmay be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed, ormultiple blocks or states may be combined in a single block or state.The example blocks or states may be performed in serial, in parallel, orin some other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed fromthe disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and componentsdescribed herein may be configured differently than described. Forexample, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged comparedto the disclosed example embodiments.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

Any process descriptions, elements, or blocks in the flow diagramsdescribed herein and/or depicted in the attached figures should beunderstood as potentially representing modules, segments, or portions ofcode which include one or more executable instructions for implementingspecific logical functions or steps in the process. Alternateimplementations are included within the scope of the embodimentsdescribed herein in which elements or functions may be deleted, executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may bemade to the above-described embodiments, the elements of which are to beunderstood as being among other acceptable examples. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein withinthe scope of this disclosure. The foregoing description details certainembodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that nomatter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention can bepracticed in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted thatthe use of particular terminology when describing certain features oraspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that theterminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including anyspecific characteristics of the features or aspects of the inventionwith which that terminology is associated. The scope of the inventionshould therefore be construed in accordance with the appended claims andany equivalents thereof.

Engines, Components, and Logic

Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a numberof components, engines, or mechanisms. Engines may constitute eithersoftware engines (e.g., code embodied on a machine-readable medium) orhardware engines. A “hardware engine” is a tangible unit capable ofperforming certain operations and may be configured or arranged in acertain physical manner. In various example embodiments, one or morecomputer systems (e.g., a standalone computer system, a client computersystem, or a server computer system) or one or more hardware engines ofa computer system (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may beconfigured by software (e.g., an application or application portion) asa hardware engine that operates to perform certain operations asdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, a hardware engine may be implemented mechanically,electronically, or any suitable combination thereof. For example, ahardware engine may include dedicated circuitry or logic that ispermanently configured to perform certain operations. For example, ahardware engine may be a special-purpose processor, such as aField-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC). A hardware engine may also includeprogrammable logic or circuitry that is temporarily configured bysoftware to perform certain operations. For example, a hardware enginemay include software executed by a general-purpose processor or otherprogrammable processor. Once configured by such software, hardwareengines become specific machines (or specific components of a machine)uniquely tailored to perform the configured functions and are no longergeneral-purpose processors. It will be appreciated that the decision toimplement a hardware engine mechanically, in dedicated and permanentlyconfigured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g.,configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

Accordingly, the phrase “hardware engine” should be understood toencompass a tangible entity, be that an entity that is physicallyconstructed, permanently configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarilyconfigured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a certain manner or toperform certain operations described herein. As used herein,“hardware-implemented engine” refers to a hardware engine. Consideringembodiments in which hardware engines are temporarily configured (e.g.,programmed), each of the hardware engines need not be configured orinstantiated at any one instance in time. For example, where a hardwareengine comprises a general-purpose processor configured by software tobecome a special-purpose processor, the general-purpose processor may beconfigured as respectively different special-purpose processors (e.g.,comprising different hardware engines) at different times. Softwareaccordingly configures a particular processor or processors, forexample, to constitute a particular hardware engine at one instance oftime and to constitute a different hardware engine at a differentinstance of time.

Hardware engines can provide information to, and receive informationfrom, other hardware engines. Accordingly, the described hardwareengines may be regarded as being communicatively coupled. Where multiplehardware engines exist contemporaneously, communications may be achievedthrough signal transmission (e.g., over appropriate circuits and buses)between or among two or more of the hardware engines. In embodiments inwhich multiple hardware engines are configured or instantiated atdifferent times, communications between such hardware engines may beachieved, for example, through the storage and retrieval of informationin memory structures to which the multiple hardware engines have access.For example, one hardware engine may perform an operation and store theoutput of that operation in a memory device to which it iscommunicatively coupled. A further hardware engine may then, at a latertime, access the memory device to retrieve and process the storedoutput. Hardware engines may also initiate communications with input oroutput devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., a collection ofinformation).

The various operations of example methods described herein may beperformed, at least partially, by one or more processors that aretemporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured toperform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanentlyconfigured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented enginesthat operate to perform one or more operations or functions describedherein. As used herein, “processor-implemented engine” refers to ahardware engine implemented using one or more processors.

Similarly, the methods described herein may be at least partiallyprocessor-implemented, with a particular processor or processors beingan example of hardware. For example, at least some of the operations ofa method may be performed by one or more processors orprocessor-implemented engines. Moreover, the one or more processors mayalso operate to support performance of the relevant operations in a“cloud computing” environment or as a “software as a service” (SaaS).For example, at least some of the operations may be performed by a groupof computers (as examples of machines including processors), with theseoperations being accessible via a network (e.g., the Internet) and viaone or more appropriate interfaces (e.g., an Application ProgramInterface (API)).

The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed amongthe processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployedacross a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the processorsor processor-implemented engines may be located in a single geographiclocation (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment, or aserver farm). In other example embodiments, the processors orprocessor-implemented engines may be distributed across a number ofgeographic locations.

Language

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implementcomponents, operations, or structures described as a single instance.Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustratedand described as separate operations, one or more of the individualoperations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that theoperations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures andfunctionality presented as separate components in example configurationsmay be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly,structures and functionality presented as a single component may beimplemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of thesubject matter herein.

Although an overview of the subject matter has been described withreference to specific example embodiments, various modifications andchanges may be made to these embodiments without departing from thebroader scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. Such embodimentsof the subject matter may be referred to herein, individually orcollectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and withoutintending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to anysingle disclosure or concept if more than one is, in fact, disclosed.

The embodiments illustrated herein are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed.Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such thatstructural and logical substitutions and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. The Detailed Description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope ofvarious embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along withthe full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

It will be appreciated that an “engine,” “system,” “data store,” and/or“database” may comprise software, hardware, firmware, and/or circuitry.In one example, one or more software programs comprising instructionscapable of being executable by a processor may perform one or more ofthe functions of the engines, data stores, databases, or systemsdescribed herein. In another example, circuitry may perform the same orsimilar functions. Alternative embodiments may comprise more, less, orfunctionally equivalent engines, systems, data stores, or databases, andstill be within the scope of present embodiments. For example, thefunctionality of the various systems, engines, data stores, and/ordatabases may be combined or divided differently.

“Open source” software is defined herein to be source code that allowsdistribution as source code as well as compiled form, with awell-publicized and indexed means of obtaining the source, optionallywith a license that allows modifications and derived works.

The data stores described herein may be any suitable structure (e.g., anactive database, a relational database, a self-referential database, atable, a matrix, an array, a flat file, a documented-oriented storagesystem, a non-relational No-SQL system, and the like), and may becloud-based or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “or” may be construed in either an inclusive orexclusive sense. Moreover, plural instances may be provided forresources, operations, or structures described herein as a singleinstance. Additionally, boundaries between various resources,operations, engines, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary,and particular operations are illustrated in a context of specificillustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality areenvisioned and may fall within a scope of various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In general, structures and functionality presentedas separate resources in the example configurations may be implementedas a combined structure or resource. Similarly, structures andfunctionality presented as a single resource may be implemented asseparate resources. These and other variations, modifications,additions, and improvements fall within a scope of embodiments of thepresent disclosure as represented by the appended claims. Thespecification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or“may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without userinput or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps areincluded or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

For example, “is to be” could mean, “should be,” “needs to be,” “isrequired to be,” or “is desired to be,” in some embodiments.

Although the invention(s) have been described in detail for the purposeof illustration based on what is currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood thatsuch detail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combinedwith one or more features of any other embodiment.

The foregoing description of the present invention(s) have been providedfor the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited byany of the above-described exemplary embodiments. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art. Themodifications and variations include any relevant combination of thedisclosed features. The embodiments were chosen and described in orderto best explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplication, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understandthe invention for various embodiments and with various modificationsthat are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended thatthe scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and theirequivalence.

What is claimed is:
 1. A heat exchange system of a vehicle, comprising:an enclosure disposed on the vehicle and comprising a vent at a base ofthe enclosure, the enclosure housing one or more sensors; an adjustabledeflector disposed on the vehicle outside the enclosure and configuredto direct an airflow into the vent of the enclosure; and a controllerconfigured to: adjust a length of the adjustable deflector based on aspeed of the vehicle, an internal temperature of the enclosure, anexternal temperature, or a wind speed; to pivot the adjustable deflectorabout a point based on a wind direction or a direction of the vehicle;or to adjust the shape of the adjustable deflector based on a speed ofthe vehicle, an internal temperature of an enclosure, an externaltemperature, and a wind speed.
 2. The heat exchange system of claim 1,wherein: the adjustable deflector is retractable; and the controller isconfigured to retract the adjustable deflector.
 3. The heat exchangesystem of claim 1, further comprising a second adjustable deflector, andwherein, the controller is configured to adjust the second adjustabledeflector based on an adjustment made to the first adjustable deflector.4. The heat exchange system of claim 1, further comprising at least oneadditional adjustable deflector, and wherein, the controller isconfigured to: determine which one of the adjustable deflector and theat least one additional adjustable deflector to operate in an activemode based on a wind speed or a wind direction at a location of theadjustable deflector or the at least one additional adjustabledeflector; operate one of the adjustable deflector and the at least oneadditional adjustable deflector in the active mode; and operate an otherof the adjustable deflector and the at least one additional adjustabledeflector in an inactive mode.
 5. The heat exchange system of claim 1,wherein the controller is configured to adjust a slope of the adjustabledeflector based on an amount of moisture detected.
 6. The heat exchangesystem of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to adjust aslope of the adjustable deflector based on a terrain of a road on whichthe vehicle is travelling.
 7. A heat exchange method for an enclosure ofa vehicle comprising one or more sensors and a vent at a base of theenclosure, the method comprising: channeling an airflow through anadjustable deflector connected to the enclosure; directing the channeledairflow into the vent of the enclosure; and adjusting, by a controller,a length of the adjustable deflector and pivot the adjustable deflectorabout a point simultaneously.
 8. The heat exchange method of claim 7,wherein: the adjusting the adjustable deflector comprises retracting orextending the adjustable deflector.
 9. The heat exchange method of claim7, further comprising adjusting a second adjustable deflector based onan adjustment made to the first adjustable deflector.
 10. The heatexchange method of claim 7, further comprising: determining, by thecontroller, which one of the adjustable deflector and at least oneadditional adjustable deflector to operate in an active mode based on awind speed or a wind direction at a location of the adjustable deflectoror the at least one additional adjustable deflector; operating one ofthe adjustable deflector and the at least one additional adjustabledeflector in the active mode; and operating an other of the adjustabledeflector and the at least one additional adjustable deflector in aninactive mode.
 11. The heat exchange method of claim 7, wherein theadjusting the adjustable deflector comprises adjusting a slope of theadjustable deflector based on an amount of moisture detected.
 12. Theheat exchange method of claim 7, wherein the adjusting the adjustabledeflector comprises adjusting a slope of the adjustable deflector basedon a terrain of a road on which the vehicle is travelling.
 13. A heatexchange system of a vehicle, comprising: an enclosure disposed on thevehicle and comprising a vent at a base of the enclosure, the enclosurehousing one or more sensors; an adjustable deflector disposed on thevehicle outside the enclosure and configured to direct an airflow intothe vent of the enclosure; an additional adjustable deflector; and acontroller configured to: determine which one of the adjustabledeflector and the at least one additional adjustable deflector tooperate in an active mode based on a wind speed or a wind direction at alocation of the adjustable deflector or the at least one additionaladjustable deflector; operate one of the adjustable deflector and the atleast one additional adjustable deflector in the active mode; andoperate an other of the adjustable deflector and the at least oneadditional adjustable deflector in an inactive mode.